Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Texas. He assumed office on January 3, 2013. His current term ends on January 3, 2031.

Cruz (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Texas. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Ted Cruz was born in Calgary in Alberta, Canada, where his parents were working in the Alberta oil fields. In 1974 they returned to the Houston area.^[1] He earned his bachelor's degree in Public Policy from Princeton University in 1992 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1995. Cruz's work experience included being law clerk to Chief Justice of the United States William Rehnquist, associate deputy attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice and director of the Office of Policy Planning for the Federal Trade Commission.^[2] Cruz served as Solicitor General of Texas from 2003 to 2008. In this role he was the youngest Solicitor General in the nation, as well as the longest-serving and first Hispanic Solicitor General in the state.^[3]

On March 23, 2015, Cruz announced his candidacy for President of the United States in 2016.^[4] Cruz was defeated in the Republican primaries, coming second to Donald Trump (R).

Committee assignments

U.S. Senate

2025-2026

Cruz was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2021-2022

Cruz was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Cruz was assigned to the following committees:^[5]

2015-2016

Cruz served on the following committees:^[6]

2013-2014

Cruz served on the following Senate committees:^[7]

Armed Services Committee
- Subcommittee on SeaPower
- Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
- Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
- Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
- Subcommittee on Science and Space
- Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
- Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance
- Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
- Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
Judiciary Committee
- Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security
- Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism
- Subcommittee on The Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights Ranking Member
- Bankruptcy and the Courts subcommittee
Rules and Administration Committee
Special Committee on Aging

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent Ted Cruz defeated Colin Allred, Ted Brown, Analisa Roche, and Tracy Andrus in the general election for U.S. Senate Texas on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ted Cruz (R)	53.1	5,990,741
	Colin Allred (D)	44.6	5,031,249
	Ted Brown (L)	2.4	267,039
	Analisa Roche (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	1,906
	Tracy Andrus (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	919

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,291,854
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Dan McQueen (Independent)
Mason Cysewski (G)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Colin Allred	58.9	569,585
		Roland Gutierrez	16.6	160,978
		Mark A. Gonzalez	8.8	85,228
		Meri Gomez	4.6	44,166
		Carl Sherman Sr.	3.3	31,694
		Ahmad Hassan	2.3	21,855
		Steve Keough	2.3	21,801
	Submit photo	Heli Rodriguez Prilliman	1.9	18,801
		Thierry Tchenko	1.4	13,395

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 967,503
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent Ted Cruz defeated Holland Gibson and Rufus Lopez in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ted Cruz	88.3	1,977,961
	Submit photo	Holland Gibson	6.0	134,011
	Submit photo	Rufus Lopez	5.7	127,986

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,239,958
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas

Ted Brown advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas on April 14, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Ted Brown (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Cruz received the following endorsements.

Former President Donald Trump (Conservative Party, Republican Party)

Pledges

Cruz signed the following pledges.

Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Americans for Tax Reform
U.S. Term Limits

2018

See also: United States Senate election in Texas, 2018

See also: United States Senate election in Texas (March 6, 2018 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent Ted Cruz defeated Beto O'Rourke and Neal Dikeman in the general election for U.S. Senate Texas on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ted Cruz (R)	50.9	4,260,553
	Beto O'Rourke (D)	48.3	4,045,632
	Neal Dikeman (L)	0.8	65,470

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,371,655
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Bob McNeil (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas

Beto O'Rourke defeated Sema Hernandez and Edward Kimbrough in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beto O'Rourke	61.8	640,769
		Sema Hernandez	23.7	245,847
	Submit photo	Edward Kimbrough	14.5	149,851

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,036,467
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent Ted Cruz defeated Mary Miller, Bruce Jacobson Jr., Stefano de Stefano, and Geraldine Sam in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ted Cruz	85.3	1,315,146
		Mary Miller	6.1	94,274
		Bruce Jacobson Jr.	4.2	64,452
		Stefano de Stefano	2.9	44,251
	Submit photo	Geraldine Sam	1.5	22,767

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,540,890
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016

See also: Ted Cruz presidential campaign, 2016 and Presidential election, 2016

Cruz was a Republican candidate for the office of President of the United States in 2016. He announced the launch of his campaign in a tweet on March 23, 2015.^[8] He suspended his presidential campaign on May 3, 2016, after losing the Indiana Republican primary to Donald Trump.^[9]

2012

See also: United States Senate elections in Texas, 2012

**U.S. Senate, Texas General Election, 2012**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Ted Cruz	56.5%	4,440,137
	Democratic	Paul Sadler	40.6%	3,194,927
	Libertarian	John Jay Myers	2.1%	162,354
	Green	David B. Collins	0.9%	67,404
Total Votes				7,864,822
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

**U.S. Senate Runoff Election, Texas Republican Primary, 2012**
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Ted Cruz	56.8%	631,812
David Dewhurst	43.2%	480,126
Total Votes		1,111,938

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Ted Cruz did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Campaign website

Cruz’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Proven Leader. Proven Record.

Ted Cruz understands the unique history of our state, and fights for our values every day in the U.S. Senate.

As our U.S. Senator, Cruz has consistently

Defended our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms
Led the fight to stop amnesty, and championed creative solutions to fund the border security we need to keep us safe
Passed legislation to fund and guide NASA
Advocated for our military

Ted is consistently on the front line of the issues of the day and delivering for over 28 million Texans.

Most candidates run on a list of issues, but Ted has always run on his record. That record is consistent, conservative, and clear: Ted Cruz works for Texas.

Defending the Constitution

“Ted Cruz has been a tireless defender of the Constitution and the founding principles that have made this the greatest country the world has ever known.”

- Utah Senator Mike Lee

Fought to keep the US out of the UN Arms Treaty, which would have subordinated the Second Amendment rights of American citizens to global interests.
Called for a special prosecutor to investigate the IRS’s targeting of American citizens’ political activity.
Defended Americans’ First Amendment rights against Democrats who sought to limit freedom of expression.
Galvanized national support for Houston pastors targeted and forced by the City of Houston to submit religious sermons for political scrutiny.
Defended students’ right to display banners containing religious content at school sporting events.

Successfully defended the constitutionality of the Texas Ten Commandments monument, winning a 5-4 landmark decision before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Fought and won a landmark victory at the Supreme Court in Medellin v. Texas; protected U.S. sovereignty against 90 foreign nations and the president to ensure the United States is not subject to rulings of the “World Court.”
Defended Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties against Obamacare’s contraception mandate.
Fought to help the Boy Scouts of America reverse a district court ruling barring them from leasing a public park.

Jobs and Opportunity

The first bill Ted offered as a US Senator was to repeal every word of Obamacare.
Fought for Texas jobs by authoring the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which President Trump signed into law on March 21, 2017.
Authored legislation empowering greater private sector engagement in commercial space exploration that was signed into law by President Obama.
Sponsored Audit the Fed legislation.
Authored resolution, signed by President Trump, eliminating Obama-era rules that restricted Texas’ discretion over its unemployment insurance programs.
Proposed a tax plan to dramatically reduce taxes for American families and individuals, simplify the tax code and spur significant economic growth.
Mobilized a national effort to defund Obamacare and repeal the disastrous law in its entirety.
Introduced the American Energy Renaissance Act to open up energy exploration, expand Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports, end the crude oil export ban, that with other reforms unleashed job creation across the state of Texas.
Sponsored the Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act (ARENA), to check President Obama’s overreaching “Clean Power Plan” regulations that infringe on states’ rights, drive up costs for consumers and hamper innovation.
Fought against budget increases that failed to bring about meaningful spending reforms.
Opposed the Internet Sales Tax, and spoke against establishment politicians who attempt to impose more unnecessary taxes on Americans.

Limiting Washington's Power

Fought to protect citizens’ free speech against unlawful and unjust targeting and designations by the IRS.
Opposed budget increases that failed to bring about meaningful spending reforms.
Advocated for reforms to boost economic growth, including repealing Obamacare, deregulation, and expansion of energy production.
Opposed raising the debt ceiling without addressing out-of-control Washington spending.
Voted against establishment politicians’ Christmas handouts to K-Street.
Opposed sugar subsidies and favoring a few over the American taxpayer.
Voted to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard so that all can compete on an equal footing.
Opposed budget deals that reauthorized the Export-Import bank, a handmaiden of the Washington Cartel.

Second Amendment

“Ted Cruz is one of our nation’s leading defenders of the Second Amendment. For over a decade, Ted has fought tirelessly to defend our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and his leadership was absolutely critical to our major victories before the U.S. Supreme Court.” – NRA executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre

Led the fight in Congress to stop legislation that would restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.
Authored legislation to strengthen citizens’ Second Amendment rights and allow interstate firearms sales.
Argued on behalf of 31 states in District of Columbia v. Heller where the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a ban on firearms in a 5-4 landmark decision.
Awarded the NRA’s 2010 Carter-Knight Freedom Fund, which “rewards exemplary activities in the support and protection of the right to Keep and Bear Arms” for his work in the Heller and McDonald

Securing the Border

“We have to have an advocate in Congress, which I believe is Ted Cruz.”

- Border Patrol Agent Brandon Judd President of the National Border Patrol Council

Introduced the EL CHAPO Act to direct funds forfeited after the conviction of drug cartel members to construction of a wall on the southern border of the United States.
Coalesced conservatives across the country to defeat the Gang of Eight bill that failed to secure the border and would have granted amnesty to millions who came to the United States illegally.
During the Gang of Eight fight, offered a series of amendments, including measures to prevent citizenship for those here illegally, to block illegals’ access to federal, state, or local public assistance benefits, secure the border, triple the size of the Border Patrol, and implement a biometric entry-exit system.
Introduced Kate’s Law to establish a 5-year minimum sentence for those who illegally reenter the country.
Introduced with Jeff Sessions the American Jobs First Act of 2015, to reform the H-1B visa program, curb abuse, and protect American workers.
Proposed a number of measures to defund President Obama’s amnesty and prevent him from expanding it.

Servicemen and Women

Fought on behalf of the men and women injured during the 2009 terror attack at Fort Hood asserting their eligibility to receive the Purple Heart.
Successfully advocated to bring an F-35 squadron to the Naval Air Station Joint Base Fort Worth.
Helped secure more than $224 million in military construction funds to rebuild Texas’ military infrastructure.
Added language to the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations bill to require the VA Secretary to provide Congress with a plan to address the long wait times for veterans seeking health care at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Introduced the North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act of 2017.
Authored legislation calling on the Secretary of State to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.
Introduced the Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Prevention Act of 2015, barring refugees to the United States from any country that contains substantial territory controlled by a foreign terrorist organization.
Introduced the IRGC Terrorist Designation Act, calling on the U.S. Department of State to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization.
Called on Congress to take a three-step approach to stop the flow of funds to the Iranian regime under the terms of Corker-Cardin, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.
Twice introduced the Sanction Iran, Safeguard America Act to reinstate, impose, and expand Iran sanctions.
Introduced legislation to prevent terrorists from entering the US as UN ambassadors. The bill passed Congress unanimously and President Obama signed it into law.
Twice introduced the Expatriate Terrorist Act, to prevent terrorists who join ISIS or other terrorist groups from re-entering the country, and to make clear that citizens who collaborate with terrorists forfeit their right to US citizenship.
Spoke up for our veterans by sponsoring the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act, to make it easier for senior executives at the VA to be fired for negligence, mismanagement, and other performance failures.
Defended the crosses at the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial from ACLU attempts to have them removed.
Authored legislative language that provides for concept development of a space-based missile defense system to defend against the full spectrum of ballistic missile threats.

Standing with Israel

“Since arriving in Washington four years ago, Cruz has arguably been Israel’s most avid defender in the Senate.”

Caroline B Glick The Jerusalem Post

Co-sponsored legislation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Introduced measure to provide necessary funding for Israel’s missile defense, Arrow System, David’s Sling and Iron Dome.

Chaired a hearing for the Subcommittee on Oversight, Agency Action, Federal Rights and Federal Courts titled “Justice Forsaken: How the Federal Government Fails the American Victims of Iranian and Palestinian Terrorism” focused on the federal government’s failure to support the American victims of Iranian and Palestinian terrorism.
Twice introduced legislation to prohibit negotiations between the United States and Iran until Iran released the American prisoners it is unjustly detaining and recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Introduced a resolution passed by Congress to condemn Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields.
Introduced legislation passed by the Senate to offer rewards to those who handed in information about the kidnappers and murderers of the 3 boys who were murdered in Jerusalem, one of them being an Israeli-US citizen.
Brought national attention to the FAA ban on flights into Ben Gurion airport and asked if they the ban was being imposed as a form of economic sanction on Israel. Due in large part to the public pressure brought by Ted Cruz, the ban was lifted.
Supports Israel’s Iron Dome program, which in defending Israel also protects US security interests.

Texas Values

“Since Ted Cruz was elected to the U.S. Senate, he has done everything he said he’d do for Texans, and more.”

–Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Fought to take away taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood.
Led the way to preserve the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Successfully defended the words “under God” in the Texas Pledge of Allegiance and Texas schools’ moment of silence law in federal district court.
Successfully defended the constitutionality of the Texas Ten Commandments monument, winning a 5-4 landmark decision before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Defended Texas’s marriage laws when a state court attempted to recognize a Vermont civil union.
Successfully defended Texas’s Rider 8, which prohibits state funds for groups that provide abortions.
Galvanized national support for Houston pastors who had been subpoenaed by the City of Houston and forced to turn in their sermons.
Supported students’ right to display banners containing religious content at school sporting events.
Led the charge on behalf of 13 states to successfully defend a federal law that bans partial birth abortion before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Advocated for an investigation into abortion practices in the U.S. to prevent the atrocities witnessed in Kermit Gosnell’s facility from ever happening again.
Joined 18 states in successfully defending the New Hampshire parental-notification law before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Authored legislation and a constitutional amendment in the Senate to prevent federal courts from further interfering with any state’s authority to define marriage.
Introduced legislation to protect the right of states to define marriage, without intrusion by unelected federal judges.
Introduced measures in Congress to protect service members’ right to worship.^[10]

”

—Ted Cruz for Senate^[11]

Campaign advertisements

The following is an example of an ad from Cruz's 2018 election campaign.

"Harvey" - Cruz campaign ad, released August 3, 2018

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Ted Cruz campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate Texas	Won general	$107,113,866	$105,485,117
2018	U.S. Senate Texas	Won general	$45,668,718	$45,990,176
Grand total			$152,782,583	$151,475,293
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Ted Cruz
Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Chip Roy ^source (R)	Attorney General of Texas (2026)	Primary	–
Jessica Steinmann ^source (R)	U.S. House Texas District 8 (2026)	Primary	–
Donald Trump ^source (Conservative Party, R)	President of the United States (2024)	Primary	Won General
Alan Schoolcraft ^source (R)	Texas House of Representatives District 44 (2024)	Primary	Won General
Barry Moore ^source (R)	U.S. House Alabama District 1 (2024)	Primary	Won General
Brandon Gill ^source (R)	U.S. House Texas District 26 (2024)	Primary	Won General
Kari Lake ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Arizona (2024)	Primary	Lost General
Jim Banks ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Indiana (2024)	Primary	Won General
Bernie Moreno ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Ohio (2024)	Primary	Won General
Scott Parkinson ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Virginia (2024)	Primary	Lost Primary
Alexander Mooney ^source (R)	U.S. Senate West Virginia (2024)	Primary	Lost Primary
Greg Abbott ^source (R)	Governor of Texas (2022)	Primary	Won General
Rebecca Kleefisch ^source (R)	Governor of Wisconsin (2022)	Primary	Lost Primary
Mary Miller ^source (R)	U.S. House Illinois District 15 (2022)	Primary	Won General
Yesli Vega ^source (R)	U.S. House Virginia District 7 (2022)	Primary	Lost General
Mo Brooks ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Alabama (2022)	Primary, Primary Runoff	Lost Primary Runoff
Eric Schmitt ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Missouri (2022)	Primary	Won General
Adam Laxalt ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Nevada (2022)	Primary	Lost General
Ted Budd ^source (R)	U.S. Senate North Carolina (2022)	Primary	Won General
David McCormick ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Pennsylvania (2022)	Primary	Lost Primary
Glenn Youngkin ^source (R)	Governor of Virginia (2021)	General	Won General
Donald Trump ^source (R)	President of the United States (2016)	General	Won General

Personal finance disclosures

Members of the Senate are required to file financial disclosure reports. You can search disclosure reports on the Senate’s official website here.

Analysis

Below are links to scores and rankings Ballotpedia compiled for members of Congress. We chose analyses that help readers understand how each individual legislator fit into the context of the chamber as a whole in terms of ideology, bill advancement, bipartisanship, and more.

If you would like to suggest an analysis for inclusion in this section, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

119th Congress (2025-2027)

Rankings and scores for the 119th Congress

118th Congress (2023-2025)

Rankings and scores for the 118th Congress

117th Congress (2021-2023)

Rankings and scores for the 117th Congress

116th Congress (2019-2021)

Rankings and scores for the 116th Congress

Voting alignment with the president

Analysis of percentage of votes that aligned with the president's positions

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

115th Congress (2017-2019)

Rankings and scores for the 115th Congress

Voting alignment with the president

Analysis of percentage of votes that aligned with the president's positions

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

114th Congress (2015-2017)

Rankings and scores for the 114th Congress

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

Open Congress' "Votes most/least often with" and "Voting with party"

List of members of Congress this legislator voted most and least often with and percentage of votes aligned with their party

113th Congress (2013-2015)

Rankings and scores for the 113th Congress

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

Open Congress' "Votes most/least often with" list and "Voting with party" percentage

List of members of Congress this legislator voted most and least often with and percentage of votes aligned with their party

National Journal vote ratings

Ideological scores based on members' voting record

Noteworthy events

Electoral vote certification on January 6-7, 2021

See also: Counting of electoral votes (January 6-7, 2021)

Congress convened a joint session on January 6-7, 2021, to count electoral votes by state and confirm the results of the 2020 presidential election. Cruz voted against certifying the electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. The Senate rejected both objections by a vote of 6-93 for Arizona and 7-92 for Pennsylvania.

Decision to self-quarantine on March 9, 2020

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Cruz announced on March 9, 2020, that he would self-quarantine following his potential exposure to the coronavirus.^[12] Cruz announced he would extend his quarantine period on March 13.^[13] Cruz's period of self-quarantine came to an end on March 17.^[14]


Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first confirmed case of the disease in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. For more of Ballotpedia's coverage of the coronavirus impact on political and civic life, click here.

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, and ended on January 3, 2025. At the start of the session, Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 22, 2023, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2024. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[15]

Passed (87-13)^[16]

Yea

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024

The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 17, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through January 19, 2024. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by November 17, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[17]

Passed (87-11)^[18]

Nay

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 5860) was a bill approved by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through November 17, 2023. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by October 1, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[19]

Passed (88-9)^[20]

Nay

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[21] Click here to read more.

Passed (63-36)^[22]

Yea

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.

H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended the national coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[23] Click here to read more.

Passed (68-23)^[24]

Yea

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".

H.J.Res. 44 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate. The bill sought to nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule establishing criteria to determine whether firearms equipped with stabilizing braces that facilitate shoulder fire were subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[25]

Failed (50-49)^[26]

Yea

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and vetoed by President Joe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[27] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-46)^[28]

Nay

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on January 5, 2025, that reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who received other pensions from state or local governments. It also eliminated an offset that would reduce benefits for spouses and widows of individuals with government pensions. It also eliminated a provision that reduced benefits for an individual who received a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. This bill required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass.^[29]

Passed (76-20)^[30]

Nay

Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024

The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 (H.R. 4366) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 9, 2024, authorizing appropriations for various government departments for the fiscal year 2024. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[31]

Passed (75-22)^[32]

Yea

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 16, 2024, that reauthorized Federal Aviation Administration funding until fiscal year 2028. The bill also made other modifications to address various department-related issues. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report. ^[33]

Passed (88-4)^[34]

Nay

Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of first article)

H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.^[35]

Passed (51-48)^[36]

Nay

Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of second article)

H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.^[37]

Passed (51-49)^[38]

Nay

Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

H.R. 815, Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, was passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 24, 2024, appropriating foreign aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The bill also mandated the company ByteDance divested from TikTok or the app would be removed from the U.S. This bill required a majority vote.^[39]

Passed (79-18)^[40]

Nay

Border Act of 2024

The Border Act of 2024 (S.4361) was voted down in the U.S. Senate on April 23, 2024. The bill would have expanded the Department of Homeland Security's capabilities of handling individuals entering/residing in the country without permission. It would have expanded the Department's capabilities at the border. It required 3/5ths of the vote to pass cloture.^[41]

Failed (43-50)^[42]

Nay

Right to IVF Act

S.4445, the Right to IVF Act, was voted down in the U.S. Senate on September 17, 2024. The bill would have codified access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) into law. This bill required a 3/5ths majority vote to pass cloture.^[43]

Failed (51-44)^[44]

Yea

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

H.R.9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, was passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 26, 2024, providing funding to federal agencies, including the Secret Service, and federal programs for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[45]

Passed (78-18)^[46]

Nay

Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R.7024) was a bill passed by the U.S. House on January 31, 2024, that would have modified the U.S. tax code, increasing how much money can be given back in credits and what is exempt. This bill required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass.^[47]

Failed (48-44)^[48]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Nay

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[49] Click here to read more.

Passed (69-30)

Nay

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[50] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Nay

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[51] Click here to read more.

Passed (51-50)

Yea

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[52]

Passed (88-11)

Not Voting

James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[53]

Passed (83-11)

Yea

Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[54]

Passed (86-11)

Nay

Chips and Science Act

The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[55]

Passed (64-33)

Nay

Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021

The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[56]

Failed (46-48)

Nay

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[57]

Passed (68-31)

Nay

Respect for Marriage Act

The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[58] Click here to read more.

Passed (61-36)

Nay

Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[59]

Passed (72-25)

Yea

COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[60]

Passed (94-1)

Nay

Postal Service Reform Act of 2022

The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 6, 2022, that sought to address healthcare and retirement benefits for postal workers, allow USPS to provide certain nonpostal products and services, and expand service performance and budgetary reporting. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[61]

Passed (79-19)

Nay

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[62] Click here to read more.

Passed (65-33)

Nay

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred if fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills had not been passed by October 1, 2021. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate.^[63]

Passed (65-35)

Not guilty

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate.^[64] Click here to read more.

Not guilty (57-43)

Not Voting

Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to expand the availability and reporting of information about domestic terrorism, enhance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) ability to prosecute domestic terrorism, among other things. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[65]

Failed (47-47)

Nay

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.

This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[66] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Nay

Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[67] Click here to read more.

Failed (49-51)

Nay

Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022

The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to concur in the House's version of the bill.^[68] Click here to read more.

Passed (68-29)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[69]

Passed (96-0)

Yea

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majroity vote in the Senate. ^[70]

Passed (86-8)

Yea

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[71]

Passed (90-8)

Nay

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020

The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[72]

Passed (71-23)

Yea

Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[73]

Passed (96-1)

Nay

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[74]

Passed (83-16)

Nay

John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[75]

Passed (92-8)

Nay

William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (passage)

The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto.^[76]

Passed (84-13)

Nay

William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (overcoming veto)

The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto.^[77]

Passed (81-13)

Yea

Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019

The Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 (S. 1) is a bill approved by the Senate that sought to address security in certain Middle Eastern countries by sending resources to Israel, extending defense cooperation in Jordan, establishing sanctions related to the conflict in Syria, and allowing states to divest from entities boycotting Israel. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[78]

Passed (77-23)

Nay

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on October 1st, 2020, continuing appropriations to federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2021 as well as extending certain expiring programs that address issues such as health care, surface transportation, agriculture, and veterans benefits. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[79]

Passed (84-10)

Nay

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1158) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for the 2020 Fiscal Year for federal agencies. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[80]

Passed (81-11)

Nay

Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019

The Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019 (H.R. 3055) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations to federal agencies through December 20, 2019 and extending certain programs and authorites that were set to expire. This bill prevented a government shutdown, and provided a pay raise for the military, repealed a revocation of state highway funding, and modified the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.^[81]

Passed (74-20)

Yea

Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act

The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 29, 2019, providing funds for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. Key features of the bill included allowing claims to be filed until October 2090, removing the cap on noneconomic damages in certain circumstances, and periodically adjusting the annual limit on economic loss compensation for inflation. This bill required a simple majority vote from the Senate. ^[82]

Passed (97-2)

Not guilty

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 1)

The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. ^[83]

Not Guilty (52-48)

Not guilty

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 2)

The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. ^[84]

Not Guilty (53-47)

Yea

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on October 21, 2020, establishing a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by establishing provisions such as labor and environment monitoring and enforcement, de minimis levels for U.S. exports, and cooperation among treaty members to prevent duty evasion. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[85]

Passed (89-10)

Yea

Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act

The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (S. 151) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 30, 2019, setting forth rules to reduce criminal robot calls. Some key featues of the bill included requiring voice service providers to develop call authentication technologies, creating rules to protect a subscriber from receiving unwanted calls or texts from a caller using an unauthenticated number, and protecting individuals from one-ring scams. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[86]

Passed (97-1)

Yea

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019

The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 (H.R. 3401) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on July 1, 2019, providing emergency approprations for humanitarian assistance and security to respond to people attempting to enter the United States at the southern border. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[87]

Passed (84-8)

Yea

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019

The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (H.R. 2157) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on June 6, 2019, providing approprations to certain federal departments in order to address expenses incured by recent natural disasters. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[88]

Passed (85-8)

Nay

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.

H.J.Res.46 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.) was a resolution passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump (R). This resolution sought to terminate the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by President Trump on February 15, 2019. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[89]

Passed (59-41)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018

Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system.^[90]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[91]

Voted Yea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018

Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[92]

Voted Yea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018

Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[93]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance.^[94]

Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system.^[95]

Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration.^[96]

Voted Yea on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials.^[97]

Voted Nay on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021.^[98]

Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[99]

Voted Yea on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017

The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it.^[100]

Voted Yea on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017

An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271)^[101]

Voted Yea on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017

A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments.^[102]

Voted Yea on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.^[103]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote.^[104]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass.^[105]

Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations.^[106]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination.^[107]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[108]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[109]

Did not vote on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[110]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[111]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[112]

Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018^[113]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[114]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[115]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[116]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[117]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[118]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code.^[119]

Voted Nay on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[120]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[121]

Voted Yea on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.^[122]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[123]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017

The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[124]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Nay on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018

Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress.^[125]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here.^[126]^[127]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[128]

Voted Yea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[129]

114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[130]^[131] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Cruz's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[132]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

On June 23, 2015, Cruz published an op-ed in Breitbart explaining why he no longer supported trade promotion authority (TPA). After stating he still believed in free trade, Cruz expressed concern that the version of TPA being offered in Congress was the product of "backroom deal-making" and a potential catalyst "for sweeping changes in our laws that trade agreements typically do not include" like immigration reform and the extension of the Export-Import Bank. Cruz stated, "Enough is enough. I cannot vote for TPA unless McConnell and Boehner both commit publicly to allow the Ex-Im Bank to expire—and stay expired. And, Congress must also pass the Cruz-Sessions amendments to TPA to ensure that no trade agreement can try to back-door changes to our immigration laws. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to vote no."^[133]

On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions for trade adjustment assistance. Cruz voted with 47 other Republican senators to approve the bill.^[134]^[135]
Trade promotion authority
On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Cruz was one of five Republicans to vote against the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015.^[136]^[137]^[138]

2016 Budget proposal

On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. The vote marked the first time since 2009 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats voted against the resolution. Cruz was one of two Republican senators to vote against the bill.^[139]^[140]^[141]

Defense spending authorization

On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[142]^[143] Cruz and five Republicans did not vote.^[144] On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[145]

On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Cruz voted with one Republican, 22 Democrats and one Independent against the bill.^[146] The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015.^[147] President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[148]

2015 budget

On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[149] Cruz voted with 34 Republicans against the bill.^[150] It passed the House on October 28, 2015.^[151] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Cruz voted with 52 other Republican senators to approve the bill. Senator Tom Cotton (Ark.) was the only Republican who voted against the bill.^[152]^[153]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015
On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42.^[154] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Cruz voted with 53 other Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[155]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes
On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42.^[156] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Cruz voted with 51 Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[157] The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42.^[158]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote
On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran."^[159] Cruz voted with 51 Republicans and one Democrat to proceed to the amendment.^[160]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Cruz voted with 22 Republicans, 43 Democrats and one Independent to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[161]^[162]

Loretta Lynch AG nomination

On April 23, 2015, the Senate voted to confirm Loretta Lynch as United States Attorney General by a vote of 56-43. All 44 Democratic senators and 10 Republican senators voted to confirm Lynch. Cruz was the only senator not to vote on Lynch's confirmation.^[163]

After missing the vote on Lynch's confirmation, Cruz explained that his absence from the vote was essentially the same as voting against the nomination. He said, "There was no significance to the final vote, and I had a scheduling conflict. Under the Senate rules, absence is the equivalent of a no vote. It is identical procedurally."^[164]

Cyber security

On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.^[165] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Cruz and four other Republicans did not vote.^[166]

Immigration

On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement."^[167] Cruz voted with 51 Republicans and two Democrats in favor of proceeding to the bill.^[168]

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[169] The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Cruz's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[170]

National security

John Brennan CIA nomination

Cruz voted against the confirmation of John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on March 7, 2013, with a vote of 63 - 34. Most Democrats supported the nomination, while Republicans were somewhat divided with roughly one-third supporting the nomination.^[171]

Drones filibuster

See also: Rand Paul filibuster of John Brennan's CIA Nomination in March 2013

On March 6, 2013, Senator Rand Paul (R) led a 13-hour filibuster of President Obama's CIA Director nominee, John Brennan. Paul started the filibuster in order to highlight his concerns about the administration's drone policies. In particular, Paul said he was concerned about whether a drone could be used to kill an American citizen within the United States border without any due process involved. Paul and other civil liberties activists were critical of President Obama for not offering a clear response to the question. A total of 14 senators joined Paul in the filibuster—13 Republicans and one Democrat.^[172]^[173]^[174]

Cruz was one of the 13 Republican senators who joined Paul in his filibuster.^[175]^[176]

Thirty Republican senators did not support the filibuster.^[177]^[178]^[179]

The day after the filibuster, Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Paul, responding to the filibuster. Holder wrote, "Does the president have the authority to use a weaponized drone to kill an American not engaged in combat on U.S. soil? The answer to that is no."^[180]

Economy

Farm bill

On February 4, 2014, the Democratic controlled Senate approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[181] It passed the Senate with a vote of 68-32. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that will kick in when prices drop; however, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[182] Cruz voted with 22 other Republican senators against the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 16, 2014, the Democratic-controlled Senate approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[183]^[184] The Senate voted 72-26 for the 1,582 page bill, with 17 Republicans and 55 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.^[184] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[185] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and left the Affordable Care Act without any drastic cuts.

Cruz voted with 25 other Republican members against the bill.^[183]^[184]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

During the shutdown in October 2013, the Senate rejected, down party lines, every House-originated bill that stripped the budget of funding for the Affordable Care Act. A deal was reached late on October 16, 2013, just hours before the debt ceiling deadline. The bill to reopen the government, H.R. 2775, lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[186] The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. Cruz voted with the Republican Party against the bill.^[187]

Cruz vowed to donate his paycheck to charity while the government was on shutdown.^[188]

Cruz said the shutdown did not affect his family's visit to the D.C. area. He took his family apple picking and to Mount Vernon.^[189]

After the government shutdown ended with Republicans failing to receive any concessions from President Barack Obama, Cruz blamed GOP senators for the loss. He said, "The reason this deal, the lousy deal was reached, is because unfortunately Senate Republicans made the choice not to support House Republicans." He later added, "I think that was unfortunate. I think it was unfortunate that you saw multiple members of the Senate Republicans going on television attacking House conservatives, attacking the effort to defund Obamacare, saying it can not win, it's a fools errand, we will lose, this must fail. That is a recipe for losing the fight, and it's a shame."^[190]

Paul Ryan Budget Proposal

In March 2013 the U.S. Senate soundly rejected a balanced budget plan by House Budget Committee chair Paul Ryan (R).^[191] Five Republicans joined every Democrat present to kill the measure, which failed on a 40-59 vote.^[191]

Cruz was one of the five Senate Republicans who voted against Ryan's budget proposal.^[191]

The proposed budget would have cut about $5 trillion over the next decade and aimed to balance the budget by the end of the 10-year period.^[192]

Some tea party members of the GOP opposed the measure because of its reliance on $600 billion-plus in tax revenues on the wealthy enacted in January 2013, in order to balance the budget.^[191] Others in the Senate opposed the Ryan plan because of cuts from safety net programs for the poor and the inclusion of a plan to turn the Medicare program for the elderly into a voucher-like system for future beneficiaries born in 1959 or later.^[191]

No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013

Cruz voted against H.R.325 -- No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013. The bill passed the Senate on January 31, 2013, with a vote of 64 - 34. The purpose of the bill was to temporarily suspend the debt ceiling and withhold the pay of members of Congress until a budget could be passed. The vote largely followed party lines with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting it and many Republicans in opposition to the bill.^[193]

Immigration

Mexico-U.S. border

Cruz voted for Senate Amendment 1197 -- Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border. The amendment was rejected by the Senate on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 39 - 54. The purpose of the amendment was to require the completion of 350 miles of fence described in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status could be granted. It also would have required 700 miles of fence to be completed before the status of registered provisional immigrants could have been changed to permanent resident status. The vote followed party lines.^[194]

Social issues

Violence Against Women (2013)

Cruz voted against S.47 -- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill was passed by the Senate on February 12, 2013, with a vote of 78 - 22. The purpose of the bill was to combat violence against women, from domestic violence to international trafficking in persons. All 22 dissenting votes were cast by Republicans.^[195]

External links

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Candidate

U.S. Senate Texas

Officeholder

U.S. Senate Texas

Personal

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Kay Bailey Hutchison (R)	U.S. Senate Texas 2013-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Solicitor General of Texas 2003-2008	Succeeded by -

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)

[1] Chron, "Cruz's life defies simplification," October 15, 2012

[PVS-2] Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed June 2, 2014

[3] Ted Cruz, "Bio," accessed November 1, 2012

[4] NBC News, "Ted Cruz Announces Presidential Bid," March 23, 2016

[5] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 115th Congress," accessed January 19, 2017

[6] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 114th Congress," accessed February 17, 2015

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