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Cruz News: March 3, 2019

 


March 3, 2019

Greetings,  

On Thursday, I was proud to introduce my Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. I believe every student has the fundamental right to pursue a quality education, as a quality education is the gateway to the American dream and stable, family-sustaining employment. This bill would expand elementary, secondary, and vocational education opportunities for students by providing a federal tax credit to encourage individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) and I penned an op-ed for USA Today this week, where we highlighted the provisions of our bill. Our bill will drive increased investment in our students by allowing for scholarships to give elementary and secondary students a personalized education experience, as well as scholarships for career and technical education, apprenticeships, certifications, and other forms of workforce training for postsecondary students. It is my hope that this bill will not only incentivize voluntary investment in our students, but will also energize a new era of opportunity in education and provide a brighter future for all Americans.

I was proud to attend my first hearing as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee on Wednesday. There, I questioned witnesses on the current economic and military threats China poses to our nation. I believe China is our greatest geopolitical threat as they continue to use propaganda to spread their authoritarian ideology and use predatory economics. I look forward to using my position to on this committee to enhance U.S. national security interests while remaining deeply involved with Texas’ military community. This week I also introduced legislation with Tom Cotton and Mike Gallagher that establishes U.S. policy recognizing Israel's control over the Golan Heights. The United States has been committed for over 40 years to ensuring Israel’s security from attacks emanating from across the Golan Heights. The threat Iran poses to America and Israel requires acknowledging the reality of Israel’s control over the territory as a matter of national security

Negotiations between President Trump and North Korea this week ended with President Trump leaving the table. Kim Jung-Un is an untrustworthy negotiator and the president made the right call on Thursday by walking away. In order to maintain peace and stability in the region, North Korea must disclose all work that is being done in a nuclear capacity. In light of the many human rights violations committed by the North Korean state, including the vicious murder of Otto Warmbier, the United States must continue to stand firm in holding Kim Jung-Un accountable. The president is right not to accept anything less than total transparency from the regime and I will continue to support President Trump in these talks as we move towards a path to North Korean denuclearization.

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

TC Sig
Ted Cruz

Sen. Cruz introduced this week the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, legislation that would expand elementary, secondary, and vocational education opportunities for students by providing a federal tax credit to encourage individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds. Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued a statement applauding yesterday’s announcement that President Trump granted a federal disaster declaration for 33 Texas counties following severe weather and flooding that occurred in the fall of 2018. Read more...

Sens. Cruz, Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) introduced companion bills establishing that it shall be the policy of the United States to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Read more...

The Daily Caller highlighted Sen. Cruz’s Education Freedom Scholarship and Opportunity Act, which would provide federal tax deductions on donations to state-run educational scholarships, and expand elementary, secondary, and workforce education for students and families across the country. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) penned an op-ed for USA Today, where they highlighted their Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. Read more...

Sen. Cruz joined National Review editor Rich Lowry on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) for a conversation about the fight to secure the border, and news of the day. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, participated in a hearing on Wednesday entitled, ‘Policy Principles for a Federal Data Privacy Framework in the United States.’ Read more...

Sen. Cruz issued a statement after voting to confirm Andrew Wheeler, nominated by President Trump, to be the new EPA Administrator. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, participated in a hearing on Wednesday focused on the role of the United States in the world. Read more...

Sen. Cruz participated in a press conference with U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, and Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) where they unveiled details of their Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. Read more...

Sen. Cruz, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement regarding President Trump’s meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. Read more...

Sen. Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement following reports that the Canadian government has begun legal proceedings to extradite Huawei’s CFO Meng Wanzhou to the United States. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.