Austin News

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has received commendations from his Senate colleagues, critics, and analysts across several media outlets for his instrumental role in leading the passage of the bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill. This legislation brings numerous benefits to the people of Texas, including an expanded flight service from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

In a report by The Washington Post titled "An unexpected sight to behold: Ted Cruz working bipartisan deals," it was noted that Cruz achieved an overwhelmingly bipartisan 88-4 win for his bill. “‘I think it’s been helpful,’ Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) said. … In recent days, Cruz — the ranking Republican of the Commerce Committee — talked about his partnership with the chair, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), in working behind the scenes to essentially adopt about 200 amendments from dozens of senators to put into the underlying legislation.”

The Post also highlighted that every GOP senator present cast their vote with Cruz and that he had previously worked with Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) on a massive infrastructure bill.

Spectrum News reported on Cruz's new role in shepherding a $105 billion bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration for five years - a first in his 12-year career where he had been a floor manager for major bipartisan legislation in the Senate.

Bloomberg observed that "Cruz played a key role in shaping the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, a must-pass measure which has broad impact for travelers and the aviation industry."

The New York Times reported on Cruz's legislative efforts stating that he spoke repeatedly and at length to members of the press as he made his way around Capitol Hill providing updates on negotiations and touting bipartisanship and compromise.

Lastly, The Hill mentioned that most members have given Cruz high marks for his work on the FAA, with Senate GOP leaders conceding that he has carried a lot of weight on the FAA front.