Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said on Wednesday that he intends to block President Barack Obama’s nomination of John Brennan as director of the Central Intelligence Agency over concerns about the administration’s expanded use of drones.
“I have asked Mr. Brennan if he believed that the President has the power to authorize lethal force, such as a drone strike, against a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and my question remains unanswered,” Paul said in a statement. “I will not allow a vote on this nomination until Mr. Brennan openly responds to the questions and concerns my colleagues and I share.”
If the administration refuses to respond, Paul says he will place a hold effectively preventing the scheduling of a vote on Brennan’s nomination unless 60 senators wish to proceed.
“These issues must be discussed openly so that the American people can understand what constraints exist on the government’s power to use lethal force against its citizens. Before confirming Mr. Brennan as the head of the CIA, it must be apparent that he understands and will honor the protections provided to every American by the Constitution,” he added.
