The U.S.

military says it will begin blocking ports in Iran tonight to pressure the country into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Today's move comes after a cease fire talks between the two countries failed.

Speaking to reporters today in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, U.S.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky discussed the ongoing war and other issues he hopes to address when Congress returns to session this week.

Our John Lefler has the details.

The war in Iran continues.

The Republican senator who proposed a war powers resolution weeks ago, says Congress should still weigh in on the military operation.

Some of the people here may have had kids who are fighting in the war.

Some of the people here may have fought in the war.

Some of them are retired military in this area that we owe it to them.

When someone gives the ultimate sacrifice to have a full third of aid and have Congress vote on it.

So I will continue to push for that.

Democrats are planning another war powers vote.

The Pentagon is asking Congress for an additional $700 billion, 200 specifically for emergency funding for the war.

So my first question will be, where does this money come from?

It's going to have to be borrowed.

So even though I'm for a strong national defense, I think borrowing more money makes us weaker and it impacts our national security in a negative way.

So I think we really need to.

I mean, it truly is a lot of money.

We ought to be able to, you know, live with a trillion.

And, so I'm not for adding or increasing the spending at this point.

Other international news Paul responds to President Donald Trump's jabs at the Pope.

Trump called him a liberal and, quote, weak on crime.

I find nothing in his comments about the Pope that is admirable.

2,030% of the country's Catholic community appear to attack their religion.

I would think if it could affect, you know, people's vote, but it's just not the kind of thing that the president should be doing.

I mean, really, look, popes have a variety of political opinions, and, you know, people can have an opinion on what they say.

But I think attacking the pope is a is a mistake.

On to Kentucky farmers.

Paul says he is still working to dole the brunt of Mitch McConnell's world to ban many hemp products.

That's set to go into effect in November.

My idea for correction is to leave McConnell's language in there, but say that if a state already has made its own regulatory framework, that they would be exempt from the federal framework.

Kentucky studied the issue, you know, for six months or a year.

Kentucky regulates it like alcohol.

The drinks are sold in a liquor store only to people of age.

So I think Kentucky made some of the right decisions.

It didn't get in the spending bill.

Our second choice is the farm bill.

Farm bill is a must pass piece of legislation and always passes.

It's passed a House committee without this.

My amendment in it.

I'm working with Amy Klobuchar, who's a Democrat on the farm.

She's on the agricultural committee.

We are hoping to offer as an amendment on the farm bill.

If it were to pass, then there would be a chance.

Paul spoke to reporters today after a tour of AGC Automotive Americas in Elizabethtown.

The company makes windshields and windows for several car manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda and Tesla.

For Kentucky edition, I'm June Leffler.

Thank you.

June.

Senator Paul says the automotive glassmaking company he tours today is faring well under a 2020 trade treaty between the U.S., Mexico and Canada that has safeguarded against Trump's tariffs.