Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) challenged lawmakers from both parties who have criticized the national debt after it reached $40 trillion, asking how often they voted to increase the debt ceiling, expand government or oppose spending cuts. Paul has called for a smaller government, an end to welfare benefits for "illegal aliens" and action against "rampant fraud." Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said every American is paying $4,000 a year in debt interest, while Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump’s priorities, citing gas prices above $4 a gallon, the $40 trillion debt, war in the Middle East and food recalls.