Sen. Ted Cruz, a prominent Republican senator from Texas, joined the morning news show Fox & Friends on Monday to discuss the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney and the ongoing government shutdown. During the appearance, Cruz expressed his condolences for Cheney’s death, acknowledging the former VP’s long-standing service in public office. However, the discussion quickly shifted to the broader implications of the government shutdown, which has led to partial government closures and affected thousands of federal employees and contractors.
Cruz warned that the shutdown could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the economy and public services. He called for a swift resolution to the impasse, emphasizing the importance of legislative action to restore normal operations. Despite his calls for compromise, Cruz’s comments reflected the conservative stance within his party, which has largely opposed funding measures that could be seen as concessions to Democratic demands.
Cheney, who served as Vice President under President George W. Bush, was known for his strong support of military action in Iraq and his advocacy for expanded presidential powers. His death has sparked a wave of remembrance and reflection on his legacy, including his role in shaping national security policy. Cruz, who was known as a close ally of Cheney during his tenure, has consistently aligned with his former VP’s positions on various issues, including foreign policy and defense spending.
Cruz’s comments on the government shutdown came at a time of heightened political tension, with both sides of the aisle struggling to reach a consensus on budgetary matters. While some Republicans have softened their stance in recent weeks, Cruz remains a vocal critic of Democratic-led efforts to pass spending bills, which he argues have been held hostage by procedural tactics.
The government shutdown, which began in December 2018, has been a major point of contention between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers, with disagreements over border security funding and the use of federal funds for legal aid for immigrants. Cruz’s warnings about potential fallout from the shutdown underscore the growing concern among lawmakers about the economic and social impact of the ongoing stalemate.