Cruz News: June 17, 2018

June 17, 2018

Greetings,

This weekend, we celebrate the men who strengthen us, guide our steps, and encourage us to reach high. My father, Rafael, has always been my hero. He’s larger than life, having fled the brutal, oppressive dictatorship in Cuba to the land of the free, the United States. My father instilled in me a deep love for liberty. Nine years ago, I became a father myself and experienced firsthand the depth of a father’s love. My daughters, Caroline and Catherine, are the absolute joys of my life. To the dads out there, thank you for your love and guidance.

As Congress prepares to pass the next National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this week I filed seven amendments to strengthen Texas’ military and space competitiveness and address national security threats abroad. It is imperative that Congress ensures our military is well-equipped and funded to protect and serve our country. I am proud of the work that was accomplished during the Senate Armed Services Committee’s markup, which included over 30 of my provisions. There are still crucial gaps that need to be filled in order for Texas’ military communities to be well positioned for the future, but I will continue to work hard for our state’s military installations and to ensure that our nation’s security threats are addressed.

As the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, I addressed the Department of Transportation Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) on Thursday about issues that directly affect the U.S. commercial space industry. The United States has the potential to grow a vibrant and competitive commercial space industry. However, regulations and outdated policies could potentially stifle innovation, restrict investment, and drive the American launch sector and non-traditional space activities to foreign countries abroad. There are very few major policy areas that bring both Democrats and Republicans together, but in Congress, there is a bipartisan commitment to America’s leadership in space. I’ve been proud to work closely with the Democrats on my subcommittee, and I intend to continue to work to foster that cooperation, preserve that leadership, and create an environment where commercial space flourishes and where America continues to lead the way. Watch my full remarks here.

Summer break is in full swing and as I look back on the past school year, I am amazed by the incredible resiliency that our teachers and students displayed in the wake of both Hurricane Harvey and the horrific shooting at Santa Fe High School. Even in the midst of loss our Texas communities stood together. The strength of community and commitment to our students allowed them to finish the school year strong and I know that we’ll come out of this stronger than before because the Texas spirit of determination, generosity, and strength will guide us forward.

Last year Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented damage to our Gulf Coast communities. While we continue to rebuild, 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, chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness, recently chaired a series of hearings examining the future role of the International Space Station. Read more...

Sen. Cruz addressed members of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the RGV Partnership, where he discussed the victories achieved for hard-working Texans in the last year and his priorities for 2018. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, participated in a hearingtitled, ‘Confronting Sexual Harassment and Other Workplace Misconduct in the Federal Judiciary.’ Read more...

Sen. Cruz filed seven amendments to the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, to strengthen Texas’ military and space competitiveness and address national security threats abroad. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the Senate Commerce Committee, participated in a hearing entitled: ‘Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration,’ where he questioned National Telecommunications and Information Administration Administrator David Redl on reports of the Administration’s potential plans to nationalize 5G networks. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, addressed the Department of Transportation Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee. Read more...

Sen. Cruz released a statement applauding Texas’ teachers, students, and school districts for their tireless work to overcome the hardships of Hurricane Harvey during this school year. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.