Sen. Rand Paul defends executive firing power amid shutdown

Sen. Rand Paul (R‑Ky.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, told CBS's Face the Nation on Sept. 28, 2025 that both major spending proposals would substantially increase federal deficits, outlined his alternative 'penny plan' (which he says received 36 GOP votes last week), and argued that courts have repeatedly upheld presidential authority to hire and fire executive‑branch employees — remarks delivered as the White House warns a shutdown and RIFs are possible. Paul also said the president has legal authority to send troops to protect federal buildings, though he prefers state cooperation.