Paul to file bill taking default off the table; Keeps door open to presidential run in 2016

Don’t count U.S. Sen. Rand Paul among the Republicans who are willing to risk default.

In fact, Paul told reporters in Frankfort on Wednesday that he plans to file a bill in the next week that would take the threat of default off the table in negotiations over raising the federal government’s debt limit.

Paul has warned of the risk of borrowing too much money. And he’s called for reducing spending across the board — even defense funding and programs like Medicare.

Unlike some of his Republican colleagues from the House, Paul said he doesn’t want to see the nation default on the debt to prove a point. To underscore that point, he criticized President Barack Obama for “mishandling” the debate so far by suggesting a default is possible.

Paul just returned from a trip to Israel where he met with dignitaries. He discussed the need to cut back foreign aid to Israel and other countries.

The trip to Israel has raised questions about whether it was another step on the pathway to seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

Paul said he wouldn’t make a decision on running for President for another two years, but at this point he has decided not to rule it out.