Sen. Rand Paul Threatens Fight over Yellen Nomination

Could cut into Senate's Christmas vacation

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is threatening to keep the Senate in session by dragging out Janet Yellen's confirmation as head of the Federal Reserve.

The noted central bank critic said Tuesday that he was prepared to force the Senate to exhaust the full 30 hours of debate on Yellen's nomination if he did not receive a vote on his legislation to fully audit the Fed. His push comes as senators are trying to wrap up their work for the year.

Paul opposes Yellen's nomination to head the Fed but said he would get out of the way if the Senate agreed to hold a vote on his legislation to fully audit the central bank. If not, he's prepared to slow the process as much as possible.