Rand Paul says Hurricane Sandy Relief bill a "mistake" even if it's for a good cause

Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul told reporters in Frankfort this week that the way Congress in going about paying for Hurricane Sandy Relief bill is fiscally irresponsible and he’s unlikely to support the bill when it comes to the Senate next week.

The U.S. House passed the Sandy Relief bill which includes nearly $50.6 billion in emergency aid.

But Paul told reporters in Frankfort on Wednesday that the bill is a fiscal mistake — even if it is for a good cause.

“I had an alternative amendment in the Senate mine would have said let’s give them only what they’re going to spend next year. They’ve said they’re going to spend $9 billion next year. Why would you give them $60 billion,” Paul said. “Does anyone expect government officials to do a good job with that money?”

Paul told reporters the billions of dollars he would be in favor of giving the northeastern states devastated by Hurricane Sandy should be offset by cutting foreign aid.

“We don’t have money for Egypt or Pakistan this year cause we’ve got to help the Northeast,” said Paul on what he would tell foreign countries whose aid was cut.

Funding for projects tucked into the disaster relief bill also was a major concern for Paul, who has railed against government waste and spending. Paul said the bill included money for Alaskan Fisheries and a performance arts festival in New York.