Ted Cruz pushes for SAVE Act, accuses Democrats of wanting 'illegals to vote for them'

WASHINGTON, DC: Texas Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday, March 17 blasted the opposition after declaring that "the Democrats in this body want illegals to vote for them" as he pushed for the SAVE America Act. He delivered these remarks after the Senate voted 51– 48 to begin a lengthy debate on the bill.

Cruz argued that the opposition is "more than happy to undermine democracy" just to "seize power," claiming their stance ignores the needs of American citizens.

Ted Cruz slams Democrats for prioritizing power over people

In his speech, Cruz spoke directly about why he believes Democrats across the aisle oppose the measure. 

The Senator said, “The simplest solution is very clear. The Democrats in this body want illegals to vote for them. They want power enough that they are more than happy to undermine democracy, to try to seize power.” 

Cruz also noted that while this strategy serves their "personal self-interest," it ultimately violates public trust, adding, “It is not in the interest of the men and women they represent. It is not in the interest of the people of America.”

Cruz maintained that the SAVE America Act is a common-sense solution that should be easy for everyone to support. 

He argued that the bill’s importance is so evident it should receive every single vote in the room. 

“This bill is rightly called the SAVE America Act. And, Mr President, if we were voting on the merits of what was good for America, what was good for democracy, what was good for American citizens, the vote would be 100 to nothing,” Cruz said.

Ted Cruz recalls Democrats’ silence at State of the Union

To highlight the divide, Cruz recalled an important moment from the recent State of the Union address involving President Donald Trump. 

He described how the President challenged the room to put citizens first, a call he claims Democrats ignored. 

“President Trump turned to the Democrats... and it gave them an opportunity to demonstrate with absolute clarity,” Cruz said. 

“He said, ‘If you agree, our first priority should be to fight for American citizens, and not for illegal aliens, please stand.’ And every single Democrat in Congress remained seated. Not a one of them.”

He concluded by looking at the current Senate members, noting, “As we're on the floor today, of the 47 Democrats in this body, only one is hero."