Connect with us

Southwest

Cruz secures bipartisan win as push to cut red tape for border bridges signed into law: 'Enormous victory'

Published

on

Cruz secures bipartisan win as push to cut red tape for border bridges signed into law: 'Enormous victory'

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Thursday hailed a bipartisan victory after an effort to cut red tape to speed up the approval process for international bridge projects was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Cruz touted it as a win for not only for Texas but the country.

“It is an enormous victory for South Texas and for all of Texas and for the country,” Cruz told Fox News Digital after a press conference in Laredo, Texas. “It is a victory for Texas farmers and ranchers. It is a victory for small businesses and manufacturers. It is a victory for consumers who will have cheaper prices at the grocery store and the department store. It is a victory for national security.”

Cruz spearheaded the push to streamline the presidential permitting process for building international bridges at the southern border with Mexico. 

CRUZ QUIZZES DHS ON TSA SCREENING OF MIGRANTS BOARDING FLIGHTS: ‘THIS IS ALARMING’

Advertisement

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, led a bipartisan coalition  (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The bill gives the State Department a 60-day window to make a recommendation to the president whether to grant a bridge permit. That gives the president another 60 days to approve or deny it. A presidential permit is now permitted before an environmental assessment, rather than only after it is completed, which has been the practice under the Biden administration. Business leaders said this led to years-long delays.

Cruz was joined in the effort by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas; Rep. Monia De La Cruz, R-Texas; Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas; and Rep. Vicente Gonzales, D-Texas. The legislation also has the support of a number of business groups, representatives of which appeared at a press conference in Laredo to emphasize the importance of the project. 

The streamlining has an immediate impact on the status of multiple construction projects in the south Texas area, including the construction of new bridges and the expansion of two others, like the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. 

Cruz says he has been fighting to speed up the permitting process since 2021, when it was brought to his attention by city leaders in Laredo that there were roadblocks in the approval process for multiple bridge projects due to the new environmental requirement. 

Advertisement

“It delayed all four of them by several years, and it made no sense,” he said.

He joined with lawmakers from both parties and pushed the administration to change course on the review policy. When that didn’t change, he introduced legislation that was included as an amendment in the State Authorization Act and ultimately attached to the NDAA. That was signed by President Biden in December.

“It went to the House, and there were multiple battles over this provision. And there were at least a half dozen times when it appeared this provision might get stripped out of the legislation,” Cruz said. “But I worked very closely with Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, to defeat those efforts and, ultimately, the House passed the NDAA with this provision included with an overwhelming bipartisan vote. And then President Biden signed it into law on Dec. 22.”

SEN TED CRUZ CALLS OUT VP HARRIS FOR PALESTINIAN SYMPATHY PUSH 

As a result, the bridges are on track to receive permits if approved by the latter half of April.

Advertisement

Cruz noted that manufacturing is increasingly being pulled out of China and being brought to either the U.S. or Mexico. 

“So, it is enormously consequential,” Cruz said. “And there are tens of thousands of jobs in the state of Texas that are directly implicated and will grow as a result of this.”

Trucks travel across the World Trade International Bridge in Laredo, Texas, June 10, 2019.  (Callaghan OHare/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He also argued that the streamlined process is better for the environment, arguing the expansion of the World Trade Bridge from eight lanes to 18 will reduce traffic congestion.

“On any given day, you can go down to that bridge, and on the Mexican side you will see a line of 18-wheelers that can extend 4, 5, 6 miles, and they sit there for hours after hours spewing pollution into the air,” he said. “It is much better for the environment to not have those trucks stuck there in those unnecessary waiting lines, but rather to expedite their moving across the bridge.”

Advertisement

For Cruz, it’s the latest bipartisan legislative effort he has guided through Congress, and he highlighted collaborations with lawmakers who included Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M.; Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., on issues including infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing.

“And so there are certainly areas we can work together, and there are other areas, unfortunately, where we continue to have real and significant partisan divides in terms of the policies the two parties are advancing,” he said.



Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Southwest

Crockett’s potential successor has repeatedly railed against US in reparations push: ‘It’s been evil’

Published

on

Crockett’s potential successor has repeatedly railed against US in reparations push: ‘It’s been evil’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Progressive Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s pastor, a radical reparations activist who once claimed America was “born in political violence,” is now running as a Democrat to replace her in Texas’ 30th Congressional District.

A Texas Democratic Party document reviewed by Fox News Digital confirmed that Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, a Dallas megachurch pastor and social justice activist, is running to replace Crockett following her announcement that she is running for Senate.

In 2022, speaking at a “Solidarity for Reparations” event at a San Francisco church, Haynes advocated for reparations on the grounds that America owes it to the African American community.

“America, you owe us. What you done to us has been immoral. It’s been evil. It’s been unjust. It’s been downright wrong and the only way to bring salvation to America – you gotta pay us what you owe us,” Haynes said. “I’ve come by to say San Francisco, California, Texas, United States of America, if you want salvation to come to this house, you’ve got to engage in reparations.”

Advertisement

FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SPENDS EYE-POPPING AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH ON LUXURY HOTELS, ‘TOP-TIER’ LIMO SERVICES

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The remarks were made at the church of failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ longtime mentor and pastor, Amos Brown, who has made several controversial comments, including blaming the United States for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Haynes’ comments received high praise from Brown, who told the congregation, “What a wonder. What a word. What a challenge.” 

He then told all the members of the San Francisco reparations task force in the crowd to “implement what our preacher has so eloquently stated in undescribable words. I told you you would receive information. You got all the inspiration you need. Now it’s time for implementation.”

Advertisement

Haynes was also present at a reparations rally outside the White House in 2023, when he said the United States was “born in the sin of a hostile, genocidal takeover of Indigenous land and shaped by anti-Black White supremacy. This is a country that spent in the aftermath of emancipation decades plundering Black communities and ensuring that we were economically exploited and excluded. And so how could you talk about redemption without reparation?”

“We’ve come to cash our check because we’ve seen the [profit and loss] statement,” he continued.

In addition to his activism on reparations, Haynes has a history of controversial statements, including posting a photo of himself and notorious antisemite Louis Farrakhan in 2017, calling him a “wonderful and great man.” In 2015, Haynes also lavished praise on Farrakhan, saying he was “a prophetic leader of our time.”

Earlier this year, he attacked conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination, accusing him of espousing “dangerous” views “rooted in white supremacy.”

He criticized characterizations of Kirk’s killing as an assassination, saying, “a white Christian gets killed, murdered, not assassinated,” continuing, “Martin King got assassinated, Malcom X got assassinated, Medgar Evers got assassinated, don’t compare Kirk to King.”

Advertisement

Though he condemned political violence, Douglass proceeded to drill into Kirk, saying, “What Kirk said was dangerous, what Kirk said was racist, rooted in white supremacy, nasty and hate-filled.”

TOP GOP SENATOR SAYS CROCKETT ANNOUNCEMENT EXPOSES HOW ‘RADICAL’ DEMS ARE NATIONWIDE

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, enters the plaza and talks with his supporters. (Michael Ho Wai Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

During the same sermon, he proceeded to call out politicians who said America was better than political violence, because, as he said, “we ain’t better than this.”

“One of the things that gets me, and we got the politicians in here, I’m going to come for you if you ever say this, if you ever say, ‘America, we better than this,’ you lying, you lying. We ain’t better than this. America was born in political violence.”

Advertisement

He proceeded to list a number of acts of violence, saying, “America committed political violence during the slave trade, America committed political violence when black bodies hung as strange fruit from old southern trees, America committed political violence against the Irish, against the Italians, before they became white.”

“And you going to say, ‘We better than this?’” he continued. “No, we can’t fix what you won’t face, until you look in the mirror and face this is a violent country, that has done violence to too many people.”

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS AFTER FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND BOTCHES EPSTEIN CLAIMS: ‘INSANE ACCUSATION’

Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches a Texas Senate campaign with a clever ad featuring Trump’s own insults against her, sparking social media reactions. (LM Otero/AP Photo)

Haynes did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment by the time of publication.

Advertisement

Though he did not address his congressional campaign, speaking at Crockett’s Senate launch event on Monday, Haynes accused Republicans of “racism” over a recently passed Texas redistricting bill. He praised Crockett, comparing her to the biblical Esther, saying, “As dark as it is right now, with Jasmine, the light is about to break out and shine.”

Crockett has previously praised Haynes, saying he has been a source of guidance for her.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In a July 2023 social media statement, Crockett wrote, “I’ve been blessed to know Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III for years, and to have been able to turn to him for guidance wherever, whenever.”

“As a PK, as a North Texan, and as a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church, I couldn’t be prouder to watch Pastor Haynes touch even more lives!” she added.

Advertisement

Crockett did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment by the time of publication.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southwest

FCC, state AGs to join forces in crackdown on China-linked communications technology

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and four state attorneys general are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) creating a partnership to share information and coordinate oversight of high-risk communications technology.

A draft of the MOU, viewed by Fox News Digital, outlines plans to strengthen consumer protection by targeting communications equipment and services, particularly those originating from China or subject to influence by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

CCP-LINKED FIRMS QUIETLY HOLD STAKES IN US SOLAR COMPANIES FUELING DEMS’ GREEN PUSH

The MOU between the attorneys general of Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The FCC confirmed to Fox News Digital that Carr met with the attorneys general on Wednesday morning.

Advertisement

FCC Chair Brendan Carr met with the attorneys general of Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia to discuss the new partnership. (John McDonnell/Getty Images)

For the first time, the agreement will bring federal and state authorities together to share intelligence on China-linked communications technology, coordinate enforcement against security threats, protect consumers from compromised devices and close jurisdictional enforcement gaps.

“The chairman is actively partnering with state attorneys general across the country to promote national security,” the FCC said.

LAWSUIT CLAIMS BABY MONITORS MARKETED AS SAFE MAY BE FEEDING DATA TO BEIJING

A person familiar with the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the discussion as “exceptionally productive,” and said it highlighted the need for faster information sharing and stronger safeguards against CCP-linked companies that attempt to infiltrate U.S. markets by rebranding their products to conceal their Chinese origins.

Advertisement

“This strengthened federal–state partnership reflects the Trump administration’s decisive leadership in turning policy into action and safeguarding the American people from foreign adversaries,” the person told Fox News Digital, warning that U.S. manufacturers and retailers should immediately halt the sale of banned Chinese components “or they will likely face swift federal and state enforcement actions.”

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said that after the meeting, the state attorneys general are “eager to deepen our coordination with the federal government as we work to stop CCP-linked technology from endangering American consumers.”

“We are taking decisive action to keep Communist China out of our homes and networks. This partnership reinforces our commitment to confront and shut down malign Chinese influence in America’s communications infrastructure.”

The national flags of the U.S. and China flutter at the Fairmont Peace Hotel on April 25, 2024, in Shanghai, China. (Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images)

Advertisement

The move comes amid mounting concerns that Beijing is using Chinese-made communications equipment to undermine U.S. security and gain strategic footholds in critical networks.

Lawmakers from both parties have long warned that the Chinese government uses educational exchanges, research partnerships and business investments in the U.S. as cover for espionage activities, concerns that mirror growing fears about Beijing’s expanding footprint in America’s communications networks.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southwest

Speaker Johnson laughs off Jasmine Crockett Senate bid: ‘Absolutely delighted’ she is running

Published

on

Speaker Johnson laughs off Jasmine Crockett Senate bid: ‘Absolutely delighted’ she is running

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters that he is “absolutely delighted” that progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, is running for U.S. Senate.

Johnson was asked during a House leadership press conference on Wednesday what he thought of Crockett entering the race and whether he was worried about her chances of flipping one of Texas’ Senate seats.

In response, Johnson rubbed his hands together and smiled.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Jasmine Crockett is running for Senate in Texas,” said Johnson.

Advertisement

I think it’s one of the greatest things that’s happened to the Republican Party in a long, long time,” he went on, adding, “She is the face of the Democratic Party, she and [Zohran] Mamdani. Good luck with that.”

CROCKETT’S POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR HAS REPEATEDLY RAILED AGAINST US IN REPARATIONS PUSH: ‘IT’S BEEN EVIL’

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., mocked Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, launching a Senate bid in Texas, saying he is “absolutely delighted.” (Fox News)

Johnson said that he would like Crockett to “have the largest, loudest microphone that she can every single day.”

We look forward to having that election down there,” he said, adding, “We are going to elect another Republican senator in Texas. Texas is a red state… The people of Texas are commonsense Americans, and what Jasmine is trying to sell will not be purchased by the folks of Texas.”

Advertisement

Later that day, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., shot back at Johnson’s statements about Crockett, saying, “I think Speaker Johnson is trying to do anything he can to distract from the majority… that we see dwindling, and it’s like sand falling through his hands.”

He just can’t keep a hold of it – he sees that – he would much rather talk about a Senate race than he would the Georgia House races that Republicans lost or the mayor’s race that the vice-chair mentioned, the first time in 30 years that a Democrat has been mayor of Miami… he wants to distract and take away from this because he’s losing his grip on his majority. That much is very clear.”

“So, the more that Speaker Johnson wants to talk about the national landscape and the Senate environment, I absolutely support because he’s losing his majority next November, if not sooner,” said Aguilar.

MAMDANI DECLARES HE’S READY FOR ‘ANY CONSEQUENCE’ FOR STANDING AGAINST TRUMP’S FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (LM Otero/AP Photo)

Advertisement

Crockett, who is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, launched a last-minute Senate campaign on Monday. The race may determine if the GOP holds its majority in the chamber next year.

In her announcement speech to supporters in Dallas, Crockett framed her candidacy as an effort to stand up against Trump, something she said incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn will not do. 

“I’m done watching the American dream on life support while Trump tries to pull the plug. The gloves have been off, and now I’m jumping into the ring,” she said. 

“Many people wonder why I jumped in this race so late, and I just want to be clear that this was never my intention, this was never about me, I never put myself into any of the polls,” Crockett said. “But the more I saw the poll results, I couldn’t ignore the trends, which were clear, both as it relates to the primary as well as the general election, I could have played it safe and continued serving in the United States House of Representatives for as long as my constituents would have me, but I don’t choose to do that, because, Texas, this moment we’re in now is life or death.” 

“Many people asked, ‘Can we win this race in November?’ I’m here to say, ‘Yes, we can!’” Crockett fired back while echoing a slogan from former President Obama, whom she praised during her speech. 

Advertisement

FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SPENDS EYE-POPPING AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH ON LUXURY HOTELS, ‘TOP-TIER’ LIMO SERVICES

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (LM Otero/AP Photo)

“Texas is a big boy state made up of brawlers with a moral code. Our representation should reflect that, sadly enough, it doesn’t,” she went on. “After evaluating the data, analyzing the trends, researching historic numbers, and combing over the crosstabs, it was clear, the numbers were strongest for my candidacy for United States Senate, that’s why I decided to enter this race.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 

In the Democratic primary, Crockett will be facing off against state Rep. James Talarico, another rising Democratic star.

Advertisement

On the Republican side of the aisle, Cornyn is being challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas.  

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending