Ted Cruz

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 17, H.J. Res. 20. The clerk will report the motion.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that as if in executive session, the nomination of David Fogel, of Connecticut, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service received in the Senate on February 11, 2025, be jointly referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 10; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 17, H.J. Res. 20; further, that at 11 a.m., all debate time on Calendar No. 17, H.J. Res. 20, be expired, the joint resolution be read a third time, and the Senate vote on passage of the joint resolution; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motion with respect to the Meador nomination ripen following disposition of Calendar No. 17, H.J. Res. 20; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, it is a distinct honor for me to speak today on behalf of Aaron Reitz as he continues through the confirmation process to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice. Throughout his career, whether in law, government, or on the battlefield, Aaron has earned the respect and the admiration of all who have had the privilege of working with him. I have worked closely with Aaron day-to-day, and I can attest to his exceptional career, unrelenting commitment, and strong moral values. He is an ideal candidate for this position. The Office of Legal Policy is integral to the Department of Justice. It is the cornerstone of the Department's most significant policy initiatives and serves as a key driver of its legislative and programmatic agendas. OLP plays a critical role in facilitating the relationship between the executive and the legislative branches, particularly regarding legislation, regulations, policies, and judicial appointments. Aaron possesses the vision, the experience, and the leadership needed to excel in this role, and I have no doubt that he will lead the office with the same dedication he has shown throughout his career. But before diving into his professional credentials, it is important to highlight that Aaron is more than just an outstanding legal expert. He is a dedicated family man. He is blessed and fortunate to have his wonderful wife Meredith and four beautiful children. All of them have much to be proud of. Allow me to share a few highlights from Aaron's distinguished career, which demonstrates why he is so well-qualified for the position. Aaron graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University, where he earned the role of Regimental Commander at the Corps of Cadets. Following his education, Aaron served with distinction as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. During nearly 5 years of Active Duty, he deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand Province, where he worked alongside the Afghan National Army, leading logistics in one of the world's most challenging environments. He didn't merely oversee operations from behind a desk; he led from the front, ensuring mission success and safeguarding the lives of our troops in a combat zone. Aaron then attended law school at the University of Texas, where he served as President of the Federalist Society's student chapter, and he also served as the editor in chief of the Texas Review of Law and Politics, and then he clerked at the Texas Supreme Court. After completing his military service in law school, Aaron continued his leadership in the legal and public policy fields, working in private practice and later as deputy attorney general for legal strategy in the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. While serving in the Texas Attorney General's Office, Aaron was instrumental in shaping the State's most important legal and policy initiatives. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron stands out for his ability to build consensus, unite people, and navigate complex situations with poise and effectiveness. I have witnessed this firsthand while he served as my chief of staff here in the Senate. Aaron's contributions have been indispensable in advancing my legislative agenda, which includes securing the U.S.- Mexico border, protecting children from online harm, and expanding our economy through investments in semiconductor manufacturing and tech infrastructure. He also played a key role in the efforts to build critical bridges across the Rio Grande River, and he was instrumental in shepherding the Justice for Jocelyn Act. His deep involvement with my Judiciary Committee team will serve him well when he is confirmed for this position. Now to the heart of why Aaron is the best candidate for Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy. OLP is vital to the Department of Justice, as it shapes and executes the Department's most important priorities. Leading this office requires someone with experience managing complex, cross-departmental initiatives, and a proven ability to get things done at the highest level. That is Aaron. Aaron has a demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate efforts that have meaningful, measurable impacts, whether in the courtroom, on Capitol Hill, or within a broader policy landscape. His extensive experience across legal, governmental, and political sectors, combined with his exceptional team-building skills, make him very well-qualified for this role. But beyond his professional qualifications, what truly sets Aaron apart is the strength of his character. He is a man of faith, family, and unwavering principles. He stands firm in his commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with challenging circumstances. His integrity is evident in all his actions. With his leadership, Aaron will be an invaluable partner to Attorney General Pam Bondi. I have every confidence that OLP will continue to advance the Department's most important policy priorities under his guidance, ensuring that they are grounded in justice, fairness, and the rule of law. I strongly support Aaron Reitz's nomination. He is the right person for this critical role, and I am confident that he will bring the same dedication, leadership, and integrity to the Office of Legal Policy that he has demonstrated throughout his career. I urge my colleagues to support his nomination, and I look forward to the outstanding work Aaron will continue to do in continued service to our Nation.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for the following detailees in my office to be granted floor privileges until the end of this Congress: Joel Coito, Dean Legidakes, and Thomas Hastings.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 18, S. 331.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, the U.S. Coast Guard is essential to protecting our Nation's maritime borders from threats like illegal drugs, illegal immigration, and transnational crime. The Coast Guard saves American lives and ensures that commerce flows smoothly at our ports. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is bipartisan legislation that Senator Cantwell and I negotiated and agreed to with House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen. It authorizes funding to bolster the Coast Guard's critical missions for border security, facilitating maritime commerce, and enforcing the rule of law in domestic and international waters. I want to draw attention to several key provisions in this bill. Last year, the Coast Guard seized over 106 metric tons of cocaine. Unfortunately, cartels are now using technology like miniature remote control drone ships to smuggle drugs across our maritime border. Without this legislation, the Coast Guard would remain unable to prosecute criminals who are using these remote control autonomous vessels. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 also expands the Coast Guard's and Customs and Border Protection's use of cutting-edge tools, like tactical maritime surveillance systems, which are blimp-based radar systems to find and interdict drug runners, poachers, and human traffickers at the Texas-Mexico border in the Gulf of America, in San Diego, in Key West, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and support President Trump's vision of protecting our borders from drugs and illegal immigrants and of building ships to revitalize the Coast Guard's fleet. And I urge my colleagues to support the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. With that, I yield to my colleague Senator Cantwell.

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I thank Senator Cantwell and her staff for their hard work on this bill. I also want to thank my staff on the committee as well who have put in many hours. This bill is important to the men and women of the Coast Guard and is important to our national security. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of S. 524 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. CRUZ. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. CRUZ. I yield the floor.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, the decentralized finance industry is in its infancy. It is a new technology in the digital asset space which enables two individuals to exchange cryptocurrencies without a third party sitting in between them. Although that sounds straightforward, the technology holds potential for technological and financial innovation that we are just beginning to explore. In that sense, DeFi is a microcosm of the crypto revolution, which is unleashing innovation and economic growth and, indeed, personal liberty. I think of my home State of Texas when it comes to cryptocurrencies. Texas is becoming an oasis for Bitcoin and for cryptocurrency worldwide. In Texas, we have abundant, low-cost energy, and as the energy capital of the world, Texas has both the expertise and the ethos of Texas. The Lone Star State was founded by a bunch of wildcatters who were guys with fourth grade educations who began drilling holes in the ground. One after the other, they became the richest men on Earth. That is Texas, the spirit of Texas, and that is the spirit of crypto as well. So what is the rule that Congress is in the process of repealing? At its core, DeFi was designed to allow individuals to freely buy, sell, and exchange digital assets without reliance on third-party intermediaries. It is ironic, therefore, that in the final hours of the Biden administration, the IRS finalized a new rule attacking America's cryptocurrency industry and more specifically DeFi. Under the gross proceeds reporting by brokers that regularly provide services effectuating digital asset sales--that is a mouthful--the Biden administration expanded the definition of ``broker'' to include the software developers who create DeFi software, protocols, technology, and so on. They define ``coders''--computer programmers--as ``brokers.'' The IRS rule is untenable on its face. These software developers-- they never touch any of the cryptocurrency being exchanged. DeFi interfaces are neutral technological tools, not financial intermediaries. They do not facilitate transactions. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could not have been intended for software developers to be classified as financial intermediaries for the simple reason that their software never holds or controls user funds. In fact, the rule is not just ironic, but it is incoherent. The software these developers are creating is designed to facilitate crypto exchanges between two individuals without a third party in between. What we have here are software developers--not brokers--developing software to facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges without brokers. That is the entire point. If left in place, this rule would undermine innovation by turning developers into brokers and through reporting requirements that are incredibly onerous for crypto startups to meet. Those developers would inevitably go overseas instead. If we were to allow this rule to stand, we would be handing China the opportunity to tighten its grip on the digital asset industry, stifling innovation, economic freedom, and financial sovereignty. In that sense, this issue isn't just about crypto; it is about stopping unchecked Federal overreach. The Federal Government can do a lot of damage to crypto if the government screws it up. The requirements, in turn, would risk the privacy of millions of Americans because software developers would be required to collect personal information and pass it on to the IRS. Just for emphasis, this rule would compel DeFi developers--people who are creating cutting-edge technology to enhance the privacy of Americans--to collect, to store, and to report the personal identifying information of tens of millions of Americans and then hand it over to the IRS--an Agency with a long and well-documented history of mishandling sensitive taxpayer information. These are serious privacy and surveillance risks. The IRS has already proven to the American people that it cannot be trusted, and it has already demonstrated its reckless disregard for privacy. Just last year, a former IRS contractor was sentenced to 5 years in prison for disclosing thousands of tax returns and return information for high- ranking government officials and related entities and individuals. These private taxpayer files were stolen and subsequently leaked to the press. Indeed, DeFi is a powerful technology precisely because it undermines bureaucrat control over American citizens. The foundation of financial freedom is the right to engage in financial transactions without unnecessary government interference. The American people should be free to spend their money the way they see fit. Far too often, we are increasingly seeing and hearing the opposite: threats to individual freedom, enforced through financial control. Banks are denying services to Americans because of their political beliefs or their line of work. We saw it first under Obama with Operation Choke Point, and we saw it again, tragically, under the Biden administration. These actions aren't just abuses of power; they strike at the very foundation of a free society. DeFi isn't controlled by Washington bureaucrats. Indeed, by design, it can't be. That is one of the many things I love about it. DeFi's noncustodial technology lets citizens hold and spend their own money, securely, without needing permission from some government-backed institution. It is no wonder the Chinese Communist Party hates crypto in general and DeFi in particular. China has already banned cryptocurrency within its borders because it operates beyond government control, and central governments hate that. And, of course, the Chinese Government is one of the most dystopian, authoritarian regimes in the world, and so they have made cryptocurrency transactions illegal because they view those transactions--they rightly view those transactions--as threats to their authoritarian power. So, yes, every time we create a new ecosystem using something like DeFi, that is an ecosystem insulated from China, and it is an ecosystem that China views as a threat. That is exactly why we must ensure that Americans have access to this technology. We should make sure it thrives right here in the United States. There has been a lot of talk on both sides of the aisle about supporting cryptocurrency. We now have an opportunity to deliver results for the American people. Earlier this afternoon, we cast the initial vote on moving to proceed to the CRA to repeal this rule. I have to say, I was incredibly heartened that 70 Senators voted together in support of my legislation, and 18 Democratic Senators crossed the aisle and voted in support of repealing this ridiculous and abusive rule. That is a powerful statement. It is a powerful statement to bitcoin and crypto that Congress is not going to let Washington crush the innovation that is driving so much prosperity. I thank the 18 Democratic Senators who crossed over, and on this final vote I urge even more: Come join us. I will say--it is an interesting note--if you look at the list of the Democratic Senators who voted with us, it is almost every single Democratic Senator under the age of 60. There is a clear delineating line, and I think there is a reason for that. Let's stand on the side of innovation. Let's stand on the side of jobs. Let's stand on the side of prosperity. Let's stand on the side of freedom. Let's foster innovation, cut government overreach, and unleash the full potential of the American economy. Let's rescind this rule, and let's unleash the future. Mr. President, I yield back all time on Calendar No. 11, S.J. Res. 3.

Mr. CRUZ. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise in support of the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce. Two weeks ago, Mr. Lutnick appeared before the Commerce Committee, where he received a warm reception from Senators. The following week, he was reported out with bipartisan support, underscoring that many Commerce Committee members see Mr. Lutnick as highly qualified to serve as Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Lutnick has demonstrated great resilience and grit throughout his life. As he revealed at the hearing, growing up with some real personal adversity has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary working Americans. He lost both of his parents before his 18th birthday, and he put himself through college and helped to raise his younger siblings. On 9/11, Howard personally witnessed the fall of the Twin Towers. On that day, he lost two-thirds of his staff, including his own brother. Few men can recover from an experience like that, but Howard not only rebuilt Cantor Fitzgerald, but he made it into an international powerhouse with 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 countries. Just as importantly, he has dedicated his rebuilt company to helping support the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. He created the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund to ensure that the families of employees who were killed received healthcare and millions in financial support. And he continues to serve as a board member of the National September 11th Memorial. Over the next few years, Mr. Lutnick will lead on key issues vital to the success of America's economy: expanding commercial access to midband spectrum, keeping the gulf open for oil and gas exploration, and spurring a resurgence of manufacturing in America. Mr. Lutnick will ensure that American taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and that Congress gets ``the benefit of the bargain'' on legislation like the Chips and Science Act. Mr. Lutnick has earned the support of nearly 50 organizations and associations. From agriculture to aviation, broadband to manufacturing, companies across the spectrum support President Trump's selection of Howard Lutnick to serve as Secretary of Commerce. As the Wireless Association put it, ``Mr. Lutnick's leadership will bring a fresh, innovative approach to the Department of Commerce.'' He will ``advance policies that promote innovation, foster economic growth, and strengthen America's position as a global leader in wireless technology and digital transformation.'' Mr. President, it is my hope that, given the bipartisan support Mr. Lutnick received in committee, the full Senate will follow suit and agree that he is the forward-looking leader focused on jobs who we need at the Department. I urge my colleagues to support Howard Lutnick's nomination for Secretary of Commerce.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the scheduled rollcall votes begin immediately.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to complete my brief remarks before the vote that is scheduled tonight.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, I rise in support of the nomination of Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation. Last week, Congressman Duffy was reported favorably out of the Commerce Committee without a single ``no'' vote. All 28 members of the Commerce Committee--Republicans and Democrats--voted in favor of Congressman Duffy. Two weeks ago, Congressman Duffy appeared before the Commerce Committee for nearly 3 hours for two rounds of questions, his family seated behind him, and he thoughtfully and ably answered the questions put forth by all of the members of the committee. The resounding bipartisan support for his nomination demonstrates that Republicans and Democrats believe Congressman Duffy is eminently qualified to serve as the Secretary of Transportation. Transportation is not Republican; it is not Democrat. Transportation is for all Americans, from roads to bridges to waterways to airspace. All Americans depend on the Department of Transportation to help ensure a safe and sufficient transportation system. Congressman Duffy understands this. He is a five-term Congressman who reached across not just the aisle but across Chambers to bring home needed infrastructure to his district. To quote his home State Senator, Senator Baldwin, a Democrat, who spoke glowingly of Congressman Duffy: Sean is the right person for this job. I agree with Senator Baldwin. As a father of nine children, Congressman Duffy told committee members: I think about transportation quite a bit, and about transportation safety a lot. He understands what American families care about: making sure that when they get in their cars or on a plane or are with their families, they know they will get to their destinations safely. He embodies the ``revolution of common sense'' that President Trump has called for. Not only has Congressman Duffy earned the support of the entire Commerce Committee, but there are over 60 stakeholders in support of his nomination. Congressman Duffy has received wide support from labor, from airlines, from railroads, from manufacturers, from energy providers, and many more. It is my hope that, given this unanimous support that Congressman Duffy received on Wednesday from the Commerce Committee, the entire Senate can follow suit, that we can all agree he is the kind of consensus-driven leader we need at the Department of Transportation. Therefore, I urge all of our colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to come together and vote in support of the confirmation of Sean Duffy to be the next Secretary of Transportation. I yield the floor.

Mr. CRUZ

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 3360 and ask that it be reported by number.

Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, everyone is here tonight voting on a provision to treat fairly our retired police officers, firefighters, and teachers. We should do that. The windfall elimination provision treated them unfairly. I have been fighting to correct this since 2017. We can correct this. We can treat our retired cops and firefighters and teachers fairly. However, the provision on the floor of the Senate tonight would add to the Social Security trust fund $200 billion in debt. Every Member of this Senate--Republican and Democrat--has promised to our voters we will protect Social Security. The bill on the floor of the Senate tonight would accelerate the insolvency of Social Security by 6 months. My amendment fixes the inequity of the windfall elimination provision but does so at a cost of only $25 billion instead of $200 billion. The amendment on the floor accelerates the insolvency of Social Security; my amendment has a negligible effect on Social Security. Let me urge everyone: Let's support our cops and firefighters and teachers, but let's also not throw our seniors down the river. I urge you to vote yes.

Mr. CRUZ. I ask for the yeas and nays.