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Senator Paul Slams Mullin's Dueling Comments in Hearing

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) during a confirmation hearing for proposing dueling.
Paul noted dueling has been illegal for 170 years.
He cited the 1856 beating of Senator Charles Sumner to illustrate the risks.
Mullin defended his comments as reflecting Congress's existing rules.
Paul opposed Mullin's advancement in the committee and did not attend the follow-on vote, citing that all members must have necessary information.

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Story summary

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) during a confirmation hearing for proposing dueling.
Paul noted dueling has been illegal for 170 years.
He cited the 1856 beating of Senator Charles Sumner to illustrate the risks.
Mullin defended his comments as reflecting Congress's existing rules.
Paul opposed Mullin's advancement in the committee and did not attend the follow-on vote, citing that all members must have necessary information.