Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, says it’s an “open question” as to whether Republicans will follow through and fight to defund President Obama’s executive actions on immigration next year when the GOP will have a majority in the U.S. Senate.
“Leadership in both Houses said that they’re going to fight this fight in January and February,” Mr. Cruz said on Sean Hannity’s radio show.
He said he takes them at their word but that a ’trust and verify’ strategy would be wise.
“I’m not sure the American people will be quite as trusting as I am,” he said.
A trillion-dollar spending bill that passed over the weekend with the backing of Republican leaders funds most of the federal government through the end of the fiscal year but homeland security only through early next year, when the GOP has pledged to renew the fight over immigration.
Mr. Cruz also helped force the Senate to vote on an objection to Mr. Obama’s recent immigration actions, and the Senate voted 22-74 against Mr. Cruz’s point of order.
The move by the freshman senator and possible 2016 presidential contender rankled even fellow Republicans, who said Mr. Cruz’s move helped allow Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, to tee up a number of votes on presidential nominations before lawmakers head home for the holidays.
“It’s interesting the Washington lexicon that it is somehow treated as being unpleasant or being a troublemaker to try to honor the commitments you have made to your constituents, and to urge your colleagues to do the same,” Mr. Cruz said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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