Cruz News: August 19, 2018

August 19, 2018

Greetings,

This week, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2019 into law, which includes over 30 provisions benefitting Texas and America’s national security interests at home and abroad. During my statewide 'Texas Defends America' tour, I had the opportunity to visit our brave servicemen and women at some of Texas’ top military installations, and hear firsthand both the challenges and achievements of Texas’ military communities. There is no better way to lead our country during tumultuous times than with peace through strength, and ensuring our military is properly equipped and funded is a crucial component of that endeavor. Having the NDAA signed into law demonstrates the devotion that unified Republican government has given to rebuilding our military and providing for our national security. In addition, this bill fortifies Texas’ position as a pillar of America’s defense, strategic capabilities and deterrence.

During my tour of Texas military bases, I had the pleasure of visiting Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, where I received an update on the B-1 bomber force, C-130J airlift operations, and preparations for the B-21 Raider, a long-range strike bomber. Back in May, I was pleased when the Air Force named Dyess as an official candidate to host the B-21. As a testament to the incredible work our men in women in uniform accomplish there and in Abilene, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and I penned a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson urging the Air Force to move and select Dyess as the principal base for the new B-21 Raider. This aircraft projects American strength and deters aggression around the globe, and I look forward to seeing it call Dyess home.

Hurricane Harvey wreaked unparalleled havoc on the Texas Gulf Coast. But in the face of destruction, Texans stood united to help their fellow Texans, including students and schools who faced devastation and disruption. Many schools opened their doors to displaced students out of their district, to help them continue with their academic studies. This week, the Department of Education announced $174.2 million in federal funds to Texas as part of the Temporary Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students. These funds will directly help cover the costs of educating students who were displaced as a result of Hurricane Harvey. I am grateful for the leadership of Secretary DeVos in providing federal support to our students and schools in their time of need, and for those Texas schools that stepped up to the plate for our children in the aftermath of Harvey.

As we continue to rebuild from the unprecedented devastation from Hurricane Harvey, we must also take all steps necessary to prepare for the hurricane season ahead. For those seeking information or assistance during the recovery and rebuilding process, please do not hesitate to contact my office or use the federal and state resources listed here. For those seeking preparedness information and resources, please refer to the federal and state resources listed here.

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

Ted Cruz

Sen. Cruz released a video highlighting his statewide ‘Texas Defends America’ tour of Texas military bases in San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo, Abilene, and Killeen. Read more...

Following the Senate’s final passage of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, Sen. Cruz launched a statewide ‘Texas Defends America’ tour of Texas military bases in San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo, Abilene, and Killeen. Read more...

President Trump signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, comprised of numerous military necessities, including over $150 million in military construction funds for the state of Texas. Last week, Sen. Cruz launched a statewide ‘Texas Defends America’ tour of Texas military installations where he highlighted the over 30 provisions that were successfully adopted into the bill, which benefit Texas as well as America’s national security interests at home and abroad. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued a statement applauding the Department of Education’s announcement allotting $174.2 million in federal funds to Texas to cover the costs of educating students who were displaced as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation participated in a hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission.” Read more...

Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson urging the Air Force to select Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene as the principal base for the new B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.