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December 23, 2016
Greetings,
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Two thousand years ago, in a manger on the outskirts of Bethlehem in the land of Judea, Christ came to save the world.
The season of hope that touches every corner of the world also extends to every corner of our great state. From Mission Arlington’s annual Christmas Store helping thousands of families find toys and gifts for their children, to Lubbock’s U Can Share food drive raising $187,000 and more than 351,000 pounds of food and counting; from the Houston Children’s Charity’s Adopt-A-Family blessing needy families with Christmas joy, to the Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa providing meals and toys delivered by Santa’s Helpers, Texans are coming together to help those in need with Texas-sized hearts and Texas-sized generosity.
They serve in the spirit of the true grace of Jesus Christ that asks not for repayment or reward. Theirs is the gift of hope; their work the work of humble servants.
I pray that each and every one you find joy and peace this Christmas, and enjoy a happy, healthy, and restful New Year with your family and friends. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless our nation and the great state of Texas.
Keep Texas Strong,
Ted Cruz
Sen. Cruz: The UNSC Has No Authority Over Israel's Sovereignty
Sen. Cruz released the following statement rebuking the United Nations Security Council for its latest attempt to delegitimize the nation of Israel:
"With hundreds of thousands dead in Syria, jihadist refugees mowing down Christmas shoppers in Berlin and the People's Republic of China weaponizing its artificial islands in the South China Sea, it is ridiculous that the United Nations Security Council would even consider wasting its time condemning Israel for building on its own sovereign territory," Senator Cruz said. "The UNSC, which over and over has pursued avenues to delegitimize the nation of Israel, has no authority on this matter. The Obama Administration should be ashamed for not immediately signaling our intent to veto this resolution and any others like it, which should be emphatically and unconditionally opposed by all member states who value our alliance with Israel."
Read the full release here.
Sen. Cruz: We Must Redouble Our Resolve to Partner With Our Allies, Prevent a Broader Outbreak of Violence
Sen. Cruz released the following statement in the wake of radical Islamic terror attacks across the globe:
“Heidi’s and my prayers are with the victims and families impacted by the recent, vicious rash of attacks in Jordan, Turkey, and Germany. They are a grim reminder that ISIS, al Qaeda, and other radical Islamic terrorist groups are not confined to the so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. Both by infiltrating the streams of refugees pouring into Europe and through an aggressive campaign of online radicalization, terrorists have been seeded throughout the west, waiting for the signal to strike. These are not lone wolves with mysterious personal motivations for their attacks--they are a coordinated pack attempting to undermine our civilization, which is by its nature anathema to their jihad. We must redouble our resolve to partner closely with our allies to prevent a broader outbreak of violence that might very well hit us here at home.”
Read the full release here.
Sen. Cruz: Happy Chanukah
Sen. Cruz released the following statement on the eve of Chanukah:
“Heidi and I wish a very Happy Chanukah to the Jewish people. This holiday is a time to commemorate the heroic revolt that triumphed over repression, restoring religious freedom and leading to the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. During the Festival of Lights, we are particularly grateful for our close ally Israel, who protects the right to freely worship, stands as a beacon of liberty, and brings light to one of the darkest regions in the world. As the celebration begins tomorrow evening and the menorah is lit for eight nights, we join all those in observance, particularly the Jewish community in Texas whom I'm proud to represent, in remembering the great miracle that happened there."
Sen. Cruz Calls On the Smithsonian to Include A Fair and Accurate Portrayal of the Incredible Life of Justice Clarence Thomas
Sen. Cruz sent a letter to leaders of the Smithsonian Institution urging them to include an accurate legacy and biography of Clarence Thomas in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Justice Thomas rose through segregation and discrimination to become a leading voice for originalism on the Supreme Court of the United States, but the recently opened museum fails to recognize his extraordinary accomplishments in any exhibit.
“As much as I am grateful for the museum and its efforts to preserve and promote the indispensable, yet oft-neglected, contributions of African Americans to the collective history of our nation, I believe the museum has made a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas, as well as his compelling background,” Cruz wrote.
“In summary, Justice Thomas climbed from Pin Point, Georgia, prejudice, and poverty to the pinnacle of the legal profession, to where he is now an intellectual leader on a Supreme Court that is more influential than ever in the most powerful nation on earth.”
Full coverage of Sen. Cruz’s here and read the letter in its entirety here.
Distinguished Organizations Spreading Christmas Cheer
- Mission Arlington’s annual Christmas Store assists over 8,000 people with gifts, food and trees every Holiday season. Each family that enters the store are able to shop for the gifts their family needs for Christmas. Along with volunteers that can aid the shopper in picking out gifts, the non-profit also provides on-site child care for the parents while they shop.
- Lubbock’s U Can Share Food Drive has been raising food and funds for all those in need across the South Plains for 33 years. They have already gone above their goal and received $187,000 and 351 pounds to provide families with food this Christmas season.
- Houston Children’s Charity’s Adopt-A-Family has made many Christmas wishes come true by providing less fortunate families with toys, housewares, clothing and/or other needed items. Last year the organization touched 578 families with 1,558 children. This year, with individuals and corporate sponsors, they are expected to bring Christmas joy to more families in the Houston area.
- Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa has been serving the Austin area since 1972. This year, with the help of Austin’s citizens, businesses, and civic groups, the non-profit gave a full holiday meal and wrapped Christmas gifts to over 4,500 families.
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