As inflation rates and gas prices continue to skyrocket across the country, the two U.S. senators from Texas, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, took differing stances on a recent $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill needed to fund the federal government for the remaining months of the 2022 fiscal year.
The 2,741-page bill passed through the U.S. House on March 9 and was approved by the Senate the following day.
Cornyn approved the omnibus package, while Cruz voted against the legislation.
Although both legislators are Texas Republicans, they are often at odds. Most recently, Cornyn voted to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, while Cruz requested an audit of the electoral votes.
In a press release addressing the omnibus bill, Cruz pointed to rising inflation rates as one of his main reasons for rejecting the legislation.
“American families and small businesses are facing an inflation crisis driven by runaway government spending. … Over the past year, inflation has wiped out more than three years of wage gains by hardworking Americans,” said Cruz. “To get inflation under control, we need to rein in spending, not open up the spigot even more than we already have.”
Cruz also called out Democrat senators for rejecting an amendment submitted by Sen. Mike Lee (R–UT) that would have overturned President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for federal employees, healthcare workers, and military personnel.
“No one should have to risk losing their livelihood or the ability to provide for their family simply because they choose to not get a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Cruz. “Tonight, we had an opportunity to end these out-of-control vaccine mandates by adopting an amendment offered by Sen. Mike Lee. But instead of listening to the American people and joining with us to provide relief, Senate Democrats voted it down. It was shameful, it was immoral, and it was wrong.”
In contrast, Cornyn expressed his support for the bill and highlighted the increased defense spending and aid to Ukraine, which he believes are vital in light of the Russian military’s recent advancement into the country.
“I believe we have a moral duty to support Ukraine, and this legislation provides $13 billion in humanitarian, economic, and military assistance,” said Cornyn. “We need to get this money out the door as soon as possible, while the United States and NATO need to continue to supply the javelins, other anti-aircraft, anti-tank weapons to help the Ukrainians defend themselves against this existential threat.”
Although Cornyn stated that he did not support every measure included in the legislation, he ultimately decided to approve the omnibus package.
“Despite its flaws, despite the crazy process by which we find ourselves here voting on this $1.5 trillion appropriation bill, notwithstanding all the reasons I could cite why maybe I should vote against it, I think there’s enough good in this bill to support it,” said Cornyn.
The omnibus bill now heads to Biden’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.
