Cruz News: May 27, 2018

May 27, 2018

Greetings,

This week in Washington, I had the opportunity to work with my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) to complete the markup process for the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes over 30 amendments I led. This NDAA provides another significant increase for our troops’ take-home pay, to properly compensate the brave men and women who serve in our military, and establishes policies that will deter aggression and defeat global threats. There is no better way to lead our country during tumultuous times than peace through strength, and ensuring our military is properly equipped and funded is a crucial component to that end. I am proud of what we accomplished in SASC, and look forward to swift passage by the full Senate.

It has become more apparent than ever that workplace misconduct and abuse is far too common in Hollywood, the media, corporate America, and in the halls of Congress. For months, Sen. Gillibrand and I have been calling for reform and leading the effort in the Senate to combat sexual harassment in Congress and hold perpetrators accountable. I was gratified to see my colleagues reach a deal that passed the Senate this week, and will continue working to ensure it becomes law, to stop the cycle of sexual harassment and secret settlements.

On Thursday in Austin, I participated in a roundtable discussion with Governor Greg Abbott, local law enforcement officials, and the victims and survivors of the Santa Fe High School, Alpine High School, and Sutherland Springs church shootings on the topic of school safety. We had productive conversations about the concerns of Texas communities and potential solutions to make schools safer. I look forward to working with the Texas delegation and Governor Abbott to address these issues.

This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is the legacy of these patriots, who rest in Arlington, Normandy and in towns across America, which calls each of us to cherish the gift of liberty. May we never take our liberty for granted, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

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 use the federal and state resources listed here.

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

Ted Cruz

President Trump signed a resolution strongly supported by Sen. Cruz to eliminate burdensome automobile lending regulations imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that reduce credit availability and raise borrowing costs for consumers. Read more...

Sen. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with 30 of their Senate Republican colleagues, sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, urging the Administration to work closely with Members of Congress to ensure the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has the Congressional support necessary to be enacted into law as negotiations on the agreement near conclusion. Read more...

Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released statements after the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed their bill to rename the Laredo Federal Building and United States Courthouse the “George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse”. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued the following statement in response to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s speech on the United States’ strategy towards Iran following the recent Iran deal exit. Read more...

Sen. Cruz introduced legislation that will continue to counter Chinese espionage efforts in American universities, which was covered in the Washington Post by national security columnist Josh Rogin. Read more...

Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of Andy Oldham to fill a vacancy in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Michael Truncale to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, and Alan Albright to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued a statement praising the bipartisan deal to combat sexual harassment in Congress, of which he is a cosponsor. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in introducing legislation to protect American victims of international terrorism and ensure access to compensation for those impacted by acts of terror. Read more...

Sen. Cruz participated in a roundtable discussion with Gov. Greg Abbott, local law enforcement officials, and the victims and survivors of the Santa Fe High School, Alpine High School, and Sutherland Springs church shootings on the topic of school safety. Read more...

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) completed the markup process for the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, including over 30 provisions led by Sen. Cruz. Read more...

Sen. Cruz with Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and David Perdue (R-Ga.) cosponsored a bill to implement the rescissions President Trump has requested with his authority under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.