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ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: Amendment Expanding 529s is Most Far-Reaching Federal School Choice Legislation Ever Passed

Discusses student opportunity amendment and Kate’s Law on ‘Fox and Friends’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today appeared on Fox News’ ‘Fox and Friends,’ where he discussed the Senate’s tax reform bill, which includes his amendment expanding 529 College Savings Plans, and the Justice Department’s indictment of Kate Steinle’s killer. 

Sen. Cruz highlighted the provisions of his student opportunity amendment, which expands 529s to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition for public, private, religious and homeschools.

“Last week was a big, big week,” Sen. Cruz said. “The Senate got our act together and passed major historic tax reform. And one of the most consequential pieces about it was an amendment that I introduced, that we voted on late Friday night. What it does, is it takes 529 College Savings Plans, which many, many people have. They let you save in a tax-advantaged way for college expenses and are immensely popular. Parents, grandparents can save so that kids can go to college. My amendment expands 529s so now you can not only save to go to college, you can also spend from your 529 plan on K-12 education expenses for public schools, for private schools, for religious schools, for homeschooling. Up to $10,000 a year, you can save in a tax-advantaged plan and spend $10,000 per child. You are in charge of your kid’s education. It is the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation ever passed.”

When asked about the additional federal charges filed against Kate Steinle’s killer, Sen. Cruz praised the Justice Department for taking action.

“Well, the [not-guilty] verdict we saw - it makes you angry, it makes you frustrated. Kate Steinle, a beautiful young woman, shot down in the prime of her life – died in her father’s arms. And millions of Americans, we were horrified to see that, because the crime – it was entirely preventable. I am very glad the Department of Justice is moving forward with federal charges. The facts seem clear - this illegal alien who had been deported five times, who had been in and out of jail repeatedly, the federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal alien in possession of a firearm are both charges that the facts sure look like they were met.”

Sen. Cruz continued, urging his colleagues in the Senate to pass Kate’s Law, which he reintroduced earlier this year.

“I am glad the Department of Justice is proceeding. Even more broadly, I hope that seeing this verdict serves as an impetus for Congress to pass Kate’s Law. I introduced Kate’s Law. Kate’s Law says there is a mandatory minimum sentence for any illegal alien who illegally reenters this country after being an aggravated felon. That would’ve resulted in this shooter being locked up in jail and Kate Steinle still being alive. We ought to act to make sure, to protect others from becoming tragic victims of homicide like this.” 

Watch Sen. Cruz’s full interview here.

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