Politics

The newest member of Kentucky's congressional delegation is fast becoming known as someone who is willing to vote "no"--including against measures favored by his own party.

According to Politico, Rep. Thomas Massie has voted against the fiscal cliff deal negotiated between fellow Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell and the White House, the National Defense Authorization Act, and all bills aimed at providing aid for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy in the northeast.

Massie is a 42-year-old M.I.T. graduate who easily won November's election to fill the vacant Fourth District U.S. House seat, which covers a stretch of northern and northeastern Kentucky.

Fresh off a trip to Israel, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says his mission was to prove he is an ally of the Middle Eastern nation.

Many pro-Israel groups have been wary of the senator, because of his calls to reduce foreign aid. Paul’s father, Ron Paul, the former U.S. representative and Republican presidential candidate, also had a frosty relationship with pro-Israel groups.

But the senator said he learned a lot from his trip and worked to solidify his relationships with the U.S. ally.

“My going over there was to cement that, not to rub salt in the wound and say, 'Oh I’m not going to give anymore money to Israel," Paul said. "Really it’s always been about foreign aid that we can’t continue to borrow from China to send anywhere really."

Paul said a bankrupt America is less of an ally to Israel. The Bowling Green Republican says it would be better for everyone if Congress slightly reduced foreign aid payments.

Kentucky's senior U.S. Senator believes there is opportunity for bipartisan agreement concerning American troop levels in Afghanistan.

The Courier-Journal reports McConnell made the remarks after returning home from a congressional trip to Afghanistan and Israel.

The Kentucky Republican believes between 10,000-15,000 U.S. troops would be needed to continue training Afghan troops and combat terrorism after next year's American drawdown.