“Does it make sense for our country to borrow money from China to give it to the unemployed in America? That is weakening us as a country,” Paul told NBC News.

Right now, more than a million of the long-term unemployed are set to lose their benefits three days after Christmas. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he wants Congress to extend them as soon as lawmakers return in January.

“If people think we need two years of unemployment insurance they should come forward and say we want to raise the taxes, and the contributions of employees and employers, for unemployment insurance,” Paul said.

Paul contended that the checks allow people to go unemployed for longer and become less desirable hires for employers.

“When I said it’s a disservice, I meant it – I am worried about the workers. Not that I think they become bad people by becoming unemployed longer, but that the longer they’re unemployed, the less likely they are to ever get a job again,” Paul said.