Cruz News: February 25, 2018

February 25, 2018

Greetings,

On Wednesday, I participated in a town hall with employees from Pennsylvania Energy Solutions (PES) and other refineries along the East Coast. There, I heard the stories of generations of Americans whose jobs and livelihoods are threatened by a broken government regulatory system. Why was I in Pennsylvania, you may ask? Because PES filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago as a result of skyrocketing costs associated with the federal Renewable Fuels Standard. The Philadelphia refinery is an example of what Texas refineries could soon experience if we do not address this serious issue currently impacting refinery workers from Port Arthur to Philadelphia. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government’s efforts to pick winners and losers in the energy sector doesn’t lead to the eventual bankruptcy of our oil and gas refineries, which in Texas alone support 100,000 jobs. I firmly believe that we can find a win-win solution that allows corn farmers in a free and fair market to sell even more corn while protecting the thousands of jobs that are critical to the Texas energy industry. 

I also penned a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis urging the Department of Defense to recommend the development and deployment of a space-based missile defense in the 2018 Missile Defense Review. I have long advocated for the development of a space-based interceptor layer; given the growing nuclear threat from North Korea, Iran’s pursuit of atomic weapons, and China’s investments to counter U.S. assets in space, the case for urgently pursuing a space-based intercept capability has never been stronger.

This week I also joined millions of Texans in honoring the legacy of Reverend Billy Graham, who on Wednesday stepped into eternity. Upon his passing, he no doubt heard the words, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ Because of his faith, entire generations – from Presidents and heads of state to the poorest among us – were introduced to the grace and salvation of Christ’s redeeming love. We thank God for his legacy and his ministry, which continues to transform the world for better.

My Senate office continues to work to ensure swift and effective service to Texans and Texas communities in need of federal assistance following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. If you need additional information or assistance during the recovery and rebuilding process, please do not hesitate to contact my office or utilize the federal and state resources listed here.

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

Ted Cruz

Sen. Cruz participated in a town hall at Philadelphia Energy Solutions with refinery workers from along the East Coast. There, he met with and took questions from employees, and toured the facility. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued the following statement regarding the passing of Reverend Billy Graham. Read more...

Sen. Cruz penned the following letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, urging the Department of Defense to recommend the development and deployment of a space-based missile defense in the 2018 Missile Defense Review (MDR). Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.