US Senator Rand Paul was hospitalized overnight following his record 13-hr talking filibuster. He was diagnosed with laryngitis and complications due to urinary retention. He remains in critical condition.
Asked why he finally stopped talking, Paul said, "I just couldn't hold it any longer."
Paul, who sought to block the appointment of new CIA chief John Brennan, angered Senate Republicans with accusations that the nation's controversial drone program risks American lives.
"Paul distorts the realities," said John McCain, former US Presidential hopeful, "Drones will only kill Americans when we want them to."
Neither Paul nor Republicans appeared concerned whether the drone program endangered non-Americans.
The Senate gave Brennan, who supports the drone program, the top spy job despite Paul’s arguments. In a statement issued from his hospital room, Paul said, "I don't want to live in a country with such disregard for its citizens and due process. Unfortunately, with those drones out there, other options seem even less attractive."
Paul says he's considering moving to the UK and running for Parliament.
"I hear they talk a lot over there," he said. "And it's probably safe since the US government never pays it any attention."
