Budget battle: GOP Sen. Rand Paul goes off on stopgap spending bill

Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul criticizes the crucial stopgap government spending bill, just hours ahead of a key procedural Senate vote to avoid a shutdown. “Despite tough talk, deficits and debt keep inevitably rising,“ Senator Paul said. “We now have over $36 trillion in debt.“ Earlier, Sen. Paul declared himself a “hell no“ on the measure. The Senate will take a key procedural vote on Friday afternoon to potentially tee up final passage of a crucial stopgap government spending bill — known as a continuing resolution (CR) — to avoid a partial shutdown as time runs out. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., revealed that he would vote for the House-passed CR, because “a shutdown would be a gift“ for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Pelosi commended House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and House Democrats for overwhelmingly voting against the bill. Subscribe to LiveNOW from FOX! Where to watch LiveNOW from FOX: Follow us @LiveNOWFOX on Twitter: Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX.