Sen. Cruz Criticizes Schumer Over Federal Shutdown

On a recent episode of FNC’s “Life, Liberty & Levin,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) took aim at Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), holding him responsible for the current federal shutdown.

Cruz claimed that Schumer’s “temper” is a crucial factor hampering the government’s reopening. “That’s why the government we have today isn’t what the Constitution’s framers intended,” remarked host Mark Levin. He emphasized that the current debate revolves around whether ongoing resolutions serve merely as temporary fixes or if they should completely reshape the budget, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and constitutional adherence.

“You’re spot on,” Cruz agreed. “The essence of this shutdown lies in constitutional principles. Administrative agencies aren’t permitted to spend money that Congress hasn’t allocated. Congress controls the purse strings. With the fiscal year ending on September 30, appropriations expired, making it evident that the government should function.”

He elaborated, citing examples like the National Parks and the Smithsonian Museums, as well as National Institutes of Health funding. Cruz pointed out that legislative filibusters by Democrats led to the shutdown, recalling how all Democrats had previously supported health care coverage for undocumented immigrants at taxpayer expense.

“This is why we’re in this predicament, yet it’s not the full picture,” Cruz explained. “The underlying issue is that Chuck Schumer is facing a political dilemma. A few months back, he agreed to keep the government running, inciting backlash from his left-wing supporters. The standoff will only ease once Schumer’s frustrations are resolved. Ultimately, this is about political posturing to appease his base.”