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January 22, 2016
Greetings,
This week, Senate Democrats again chose to value partisan loyalty to the Obama White House over protecting the American people, as they blocked legislation that took steps to prevent terrorists from exploiting our nation’s refugee program.
Despite this setback, I will continue to fight for legislation I’ve introduced that secures our country’s borders and protects the safety and security of American citizens, such as the Expatriate Terrorist Act, the Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Prevention Act of 2015, and the State Refugee Security Act of 2015.
We should not be acting as apologists for radical Islamic terrorists. We should be putting America first, and that is exactly what I remain committed to doing on behalf of the Lone Star State.
Please keep reading for an update on the latest in the Senate.
Keep Texas Strong,
Ted Cruz
Sen. Cruz Issues Statement After Democrats Block American SAFE Act
On Wednesday, Sen. Cruz released a statement after voting to advance the American SAFE Act (H.R. 4038), authored by Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) in the House of Representatives. The bill, which would require the Obama administration to certify that any Syrian or Iraqi refugee admitted to the United States is not a national security threat, was blocked by Democrats and failed to proceed to consideration.
“Today, partisan politics prevailed, as Democrats joined to block consideration of a bill that would have taken a modest but important step toward ensuring terrorists do not exploit our nation’s refugee programs. Remarkably, the Democrats are unwilling even to require this administration to certify that it’s safe to admit refugees from Syria and Iraq. This obstructionism is especially egregious given that earlier this month, two terrorists, who came to the United States as Iraqi refugees, were apprehended in Sacramento and Houston,” Sen. Cruz said.
“While the Syrian refugee bill today was not perfect, proceeding to debate on the bill would have provided opportunities to improve it by confronting broader national security issues and considering legislation such as Kate’s Law and the Expatriate Terrorist Act, both of which I introduced last year to secure America’s borders.”
Read Sen. Cruz’s full statement here.
Sen. Cruz: Prayers for Marines Involved in Helicopter Crash Near Hawaii
Sen. Cruz on Monday issued a statement of hope, prayer, and peace for the Marines and families affected by last week’s helicopter crash off the coast of Hawaii. Maj. Shawn Campbell and Cpl. Matthew Drown from Texas were among those aboard the aircraft involved in the collision.
“As the search continues for these brave Marines, Heidi and I pray for calm seas and clear skies,” Sen. Cruz said. “We continue to hope and pray that the lost are found and the families of our country’s finest find peace during this difficult and uncertain time. Let us never forget the daily sacrifices every single serviceman and servicewoman makes to keep America safe and free.”
Read the full release here. Sen. Cruz Seeks to Block Joint U.S.-Cuba Security Exercises
On Wednesday, Sen. Cruz sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, outlining concerns for Cuba’s participation in the upcoming Caribbean Nations Security Conference and urging Sec. Carter to rescind the invitation to the Castro regime until the dummy American Hellfire missile in Cuba’s possession is returned to the United States.
Sen. Cruz’s full letter is available here. Read The Washington Free Beacon’s coverage of Sen. Cruz’s letter here. Excerpts from the article are available below:
Cruz maintains that it is not in the national security interests of U.S. to include Cuba in the high-level security talks, which were announced by the Pentagon earlier this month.
It seems “recklessly premature to participate in a joint security exercise with Cuba this month, especially as they seem likely to only use it as a platform from which to demand the return of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,” Cruz wrote, referring to recent indications by Cuba that it will push the Obama administration to return the land currently being used to house terror suspects.
“I would like to know the rationale behind this decision, and I urge you to reconsider this invitation at the very least until the Hellfire is returned to the United States,” Cruz wrote.
Sen. Cruz: Taiwan Is Exemplar of Liberty and Best Hope for Peace in East Asia
Last week, Sen. Cruz issued a statement applauding the Taiwanese people for their tenacity and calling for America’s reaffirmed commitment to Taiwan’s security.
“Today is a monumental day for the people of Taiwan and the region of East Asia. With their sixth presidential election and ninth Parliamentary election, the men and women of Taiwan have spoken as one by reaffirming their democracy through a free process. Amidst a region marked by growing instability, their tenacious witness to the promise of liberty is a beacon of light to their neighbors yearning to be free,” Sen. Cruz said. “Now more than ever, we must stand with Taiwan and reaffirm our commitment to their security.”
Read the full release here.
A Regional Update from East Texas Regional Director Daniel Alders
This week, East Texas Regional Director Daniel Alders represented Sen. Cruz in Texarkana, where the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) was recognized for achieving the status of a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star site for safety. This formal designation is a well-deserved acknowledgement of RRAD’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for service members and civilian workers each and every day.
“The Red River Army Depot is a tremendous asset to the people of Northeast Texas, and we are extremely proud of the work they do to serve our soldiers around the world,” Alders said.
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