In a forceful address during a Senate Republican press briefing, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas vehemently criticized the recently proposed bipartisan border bill, declaring it not only inadequate but a "terrible" piece of legislation. The senator's remarks come amid a heightened national debate over border security and immigration reform.
Senator Cruz, known for his outspoken stance on immigration issues, did not mince words when discussing the bill, which he had previously described as "a steaming pile of crap." With the bill's full text now public, Cruz argued that his initial assessment was "far too kind," emphasizing that the legislation fails to address the core issues plaguing the U.S. border.
Breaking down his opposition, Cruz cited two main areas of concern: policy and politics. From a policy perspective, he argued that the bill does nothing to solve the record-high rates of illegal immigration, nor does it address the human tragedies unfolding at the border, including deaths, sexual assaults, and drug overdoses. He attributed the current crisis to decisions made by President Joe Biden in his first week of office, explicitly halting border wall construction, reinstating Catch and Release, and terminating the Remain in Mexico agreement. According to Cruz, reversing these decisions could secure the border overnight—a step the current administration is unwilling to take.
Politically, Cruz slammed the bill as a futile attempt to provide Democrats with a veneer of concern for border security ahead of upcoming elections. He criticized the bill for ostensibly normalizing illegal immigration by codifying policies like Catch and Release and offering work permits and government-funded lawyers to illegal immigrants. One provision he found particularly egregious was the directive that immigration litigation could no longer be pursued in Texas courts, forcing such cases to be brought in Washington, D.C.
Cruz's critique extended to the bill's strategic implications, labeling it as "dumb" politics given its slim chances of passing into law. He highlighted the stark opposition from House leadership, which deemed the bill dead on arrival, arguing that its sole purpose was to allow Democrats to claim they had attempted to secure the border falsely.
In conclusion, Senator Cruz called for genuine legislative efforts to address border security. He pointed to HR2, a bill he introduced in the Senate, as a viable solution that he would support if paired with Ukraine aid. His remarks underscore a deep divide in Congress over how to tackle the nation's immigration challenges and reflect the ongoing struggle to find common ground on border security measures.