Sen. Rand Paul said Monday he will vote against confirming William P. Barr for attorney general, making him the first Republican to oppose President Trump’s nominee.
Mr. Paul, Kentucky, revealed his vote in an interview with Politico.
“I’m a no,” he told the publication. “He’s been the chief advocate for warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens. I think that the Fourth Amendment should protect your phone calls and bank information. People shouldn’t be allowed to look at it without a warrant.”
Mr. Paul’s decision does not come as a surprise. In December, he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Mr. Barr’s support of the Patriot Act was “very, very troubling.”
Also, Campaign for Liberty, a conservative activist group founded by his father, former Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican, had railed against Mr. Barr’s nomination.
Norm Singleton, the organization’s president, told The Washington Times on Monday that if any Republican would break ranks over Mr. Barr, it would be Rand Paul.
“He has taken up his dad’s banner in the pro-liberty, anti-big government wing of the Republican Marty, Mr. Singleton said about the younger Mr. Paul.
Despite Mr. Paul’s opposition, Mr. Barr is expected to be confirmed this week. Republicans have the majority in the Senate and even one Democrat, Sen. Doug Jones, Alabama, said he will cross the aisle and support Mr. Barr.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.