Cruz News: January 13, 2019

January 13, 2019

Greetings,

This week, I toured the Texas-Mexico border and participated in a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). There, we highlighted the importance of border security for Texans. I also met with elected officials, border patrol agents, and local community leaders to discuss how illegal immigration and the border crisis are affecting communities in the region. The large majority of Texans and Americans want to see our southern border secured. Indeed, earlier this month I reintroduced the EL CHAPO Act, which would offset the cost of securing our border by directing assets forfeited by El Chapo and other drug cartel leaders to fund the border wall. As Democrats in Washington continue to play politics with our national security, I remain committed to funding a wall and securing our southern border.

On Thursday, I was proud to introduce the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill, co-authored by Sen. Cornyn, champions the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by allowing concealed carry holders to exercise their rights while traveling in other states. I am committed to protecting the right to self-defense for Texans, and these rights should not be limited to within the boundaries of our state.

I also introduced an amendment to the Constitution imposing term limits on members of Congress with Rep. Rooney (R-Fla.) earlier this month. For too long, members of Congress have abused their power and ignored the will of the American people. This amendment would limit U.S. senators to two six-year terms and members of the U.S. House of Representatives to three two-year terms.

The great state of Texas lost an American hero with the passing of Richard Overton. Mr. Overton resided in Austin, Texas and, at 112 years of age, was the oldest World War II veteran. He won the hearts of many across Texas and our nation with his optimism and selfless service. His years of dedicated service set an example for Texans and all his countrymen, and his memory continues to inspire us all. This week, Sen. Cornyn and I introduced a resolution honoring his life and legacy. Heidi and I join the country in offering prayers for the Overton family. 

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

Ted Cruz

Sen. Cruz joined President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and other local and Border Patrol officials to tour the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. Read more...

Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Read more...

Sens. Cruz and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) announced this week that their bipartisan Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act has been signed into law by the President. Read more..

Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a Senate resolution honoring Richard Overton, a Texan who lived to be the oldest World War II veteran and recently passed away at the age of 112. Read more...

Sens. Cruz and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Cambodian Trade Act of 2019, which would require the administration to review the preferential trade treatment Cambodia receives under the General System of Preferences. Read more...

Sens. Cruz, John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) introduced the Lake Fannin Recreation Area Conveyance Act to reduce the federal estate in Texas and convey 2,025 acres to Fannin County for public recreation purposes. Read more...

Sens. Cruz, Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and John Kennedy (R-La.) on Tuesday reintroduced the WALL Act, legislation that would fully fund the border wall along the southern border. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued a statement after Senate Democrats voted against the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act, legislation critical to Israel’s security. Read more...

Sens. Cruz, John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) introduced the Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act to require the necessary gradient boundary survey of the 116-mile stretch of the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma. Read more...

Sen. Cruz appeared on WOAI’s Joe Pags Show and KTRH’s Michael Berry Show to discuss the government shutdown, his efforts to secure the border with the reintroduction of the EL CHAPO Act, and his constitutional amendment mandating term limits on members of Congress. Read more...

Sen. Cruz participated in a Q&A with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s (TPPF) Annual Policy Orientation. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.