Ted Cruz Pushing for Airport Security Escort Raises Eyebrows

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, is facing backlash online after an article was published on Saturday that outlined his proposed bill amendment that would dedicate a security escort for lawmakers at airports.

Politico reported on Saturday that Cruz's measure would provide airport security escorts to federal judges and Cabinet members, along with some family and staff members. In addition, the amendment would grant lawmakers the ability to be screened without delay.

The outlet also reported that Cruz wants to attach the amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. The bill was introduced in the Senate last June and is expected to be debated this week in the Senate Commerce Committee where Cruz is the ranking member.

"This language was drafted in a bipartisan manner to address the growing number of serious threats to justices, judges, public officials and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle," Senate Republican Commerce Committee spokeswoman Melissa Braid told Newsweek via email on Sunday night. "With rising security incidents at airports, this amendment ensures that—when law enforcement determines that there is a serious threat—reasonable security measures will be taken to keep everybody safe."

Cruz's proposal comes after Winter Storm Uri brought record amounts of snow to Texas in February 2021, which saw millions of Texans lose power and clean water amid the freezing temperatures. There were 246 deaths related to the storm and Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar later said that the financial loss from the storm likely fell between $80 billion and $130 billion.

Cruz received backlash for leaving with his family to Cancun, Mexico, as his state suffered from the storm's devastating impact. A photo of Cruz on a plane circulated online and upon his arrival home, he was met with protesters calling for the senator to resign.

At the time, Cruz said that he flew down to Cancun to chaperone his daughters on the flight and then quickly returned back. He called it "a mistake," but said he was "trying to be a dad."

On Saturday, the senator received criticism online for the proposed bill amendment.

Journalist Mark Jacob posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Ted Cruz is seeking special treatment to help him slip away to Cancun undetected."

Former federal prosecutor Ron Filipkowski posted on X, "Keep the riff raff commoners away from Prince Ted."

Activist Melissa Byrne wrote: "Teddy can't handle the public. So he wants to hide behind cops."

Even though Cruz apologized for his actions, it hasn't stopped him from bringing the episode back to the forefront and invoking more criticism.

In January, during another cold wave, Cruz posted on X that Texans should take steps to protect themselves.

"Texans, with the freeze coming, wrap your pipes, cover your plants, stay off icy roads & keep your family safe," he wrote, before adding: "And, if it gets too damn cold, join me in Cancun!"

In March 2022, Cruz got into a publicized argument with employees at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana. Videos posted online of the confrontation show the senator irritated about missing his flight on United Airlines.

Meanwhile, Cruz is up for reelection in November. He is currently outpolling both of his top-polling Democratic rivals, Representative Colin Allred and Texas state Senator Roland Gutierrez, according to a new University of Houston poll.

The survey, which surveyed 1,500 Texan registered voters online between January 11 and 24, found that, in a straight fight between Cruz and Allred, the leading Democratic candidate, Cruz would win by nine points. Alternatively, if Cruz faces Gutierrez he would secure victory by 10 points.

Update 2/5/24, 9 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with comment from Senate Republican Commerce Committee spokeswoman Melissa Braid.