Senator Ted Cruz, Republican from Texas

Ted Cruz

Senator · Texas · Republican

Ted Cruz

Border Security · Gun Rights · Energy Independence · School Choice

Senate Floor

Recent comments in the Senate

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the critical need for disaster relief in my home State of Texas for a Texas community that was devastated by historic wildfires. I will seek to improve the pending Disaster Tax Relief Act being considered by the Senate to address that acute need in Texas. No doubt the current version provides relief that is also badly needed elsewhere. I would like to speak directly to the families of Spokane, WA, who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their sense of security.
On H.R. 5366··Share
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, on the merits, there are no substantive objections to this legislation. However, we do have a challenge between the two Chambers of Congress. The Senate is doing its work. The Senate is taking up important pieces of legislation, reaching bipartisan agreement, and passing them; and they are going to the House of Representatives where right now they are simply sitting and languishing. House leadership has decided to adopt a strategy that is, frankly, indefensible.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 5345 (Executive Session)··Share
Reserving the right to object, I understand that my colleague from Iowa is deeply interested in getting this legislation passed, and I appreciate the diligence and effort she has devoted to this legislation. This is a good bill. I support her bill. Indeed, I voted for her bill, as did every other Member of this body. But the Senate also has a great many other bills that we are working on, that we have passed, and that have run into a roadblock in the House of Representatives.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 2069 (Executive Calendar)··Share
Biography
Ted Cruz, a former solicitor general of Texas, brought his legal expertise to the U.S. Senate after winning election in 2012 to represent Texas. He is known for his vocal advocacy on constitutional law, border security, and economic policy. Cruz played a leading role in the 2013 federal government shutdown over the Affordable Care Act and serves on the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees. He is recognized for his assertive, detail-oriented approach to legislation and his commitment to representing conservative values on behalf of Texans.
Education
  • J.D., Magna cum laude, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA
    1995
  • B.A., Cum laude, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
    1992
Professional History
  • U.S. Senator

    2013–Present

    Senator from Texas. 3 terms.

  • Solicitor General of Texas

    2003–2008

    Appointed by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and served as the state's chief appellate lawyer.

  • Domestic Policy Adviser, George W. Bush Presidential Campaign

    1999–2000

    Advised then-Governor George W. Bush on domestic policy and legal issues during his presidential campaign.

Policy Focus
International Affairs8%
Taxation6%
Armed Forces and National Security5%
Government Operations and Politics4%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Ted Cruz's record in Congress.

  • Space Industry Support

    Championed the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, supporting private sector growth in the U.S. space industry.

  • Hurricane Harvey Relief

    Secured federal disaster relief funding for Texas communities affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

  • Human Trafficking Prevention

    Co-sponsored the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, enhancing law enforcement tools to combat human trafficking.

  • Internet Freedom

    Led efforts to oppose the transfer of U.S. oversight of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to international control.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationChairman
  • Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
  • Senate Committee on the Judiciary
  • Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

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