Cruz: 'The Gang of 8 Bill Is A Disaster' (Video)

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) was invited on to the Rush Limbaugh Show, this afternoon, to discuss the problems with the Gang of Eight’s immigration legislation. 

“This gang of 8 bill is a disaster”, Cruz began. “We’re hearing the exact same empty promises as 1986.  It grants legalization now, and promises that sometime in the future, trust us *wink wink* we’ll secure the border. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.”

Asked about the motivations of Democrats and Republicans for pushing amnesty, Cruz said, “Democrats want it for pure politics. No citizenship, no bill. They want more Democrat voters, or have it voted down and use it as a political issue in 2014/2016.”

On the Republican side, he said, a lot of the support is unfortunately political, as well. “After 2012, all the Washington political consultants and MSM came to Republicans said you’ve got to do better with Hispanics, and the way to do better with Hispanics is amnesty, and Republicans are scared.” Cruz said that argument is nonsense, but there are a lot of Republicans who are scared and listening to the consultants. 

Washington consultants advise on immigration, abortion, and gay marriage “that Republicans give up our principles and become Democrats.” 

“It’s interesting. You’ve got a number of politicians who are listening it [to the New York Times’ advice] who have not heretofore gotten significant support in the Hispanic community. In my race in Texas–Texas is a majority-minority state–over 40% of the Hispanics in Texas voted for me in the Senate race, and I was very clear in the race from day one in opposing amnesty and supporting border security and improving legal immigration.”

He noted that there are about 20 Republican Senators who are on the fence, and that the time is right now to let your voices be heard. He recommended going to the  Secure the Border now website, and sign the petition, and to call your Senator. 

“Washington, D.C. is a bubble, and there is nothing more powerful than the conservative grassroots when we are engaged and letting our voice be heard.”

In answer to Limbaugh’s question about the CBO report, Cruz said, “One thing Washington knows how to do is come up with bogus cost estimates. I mean, we all remember when Obamacare was passed, and we were told it would save money, and we’ve now discovered it’s gonna cost trillions.”

He went on to decry the “enormous cost” that amnesty would have on the economy. One thing, he said it would do is set up a de facto affirmative action –  “a strong preference in hiring for those who are here illegally” because illegal immigrants who are granted legal status would be exempt from benefits and it would be cheaper for employers to hire them than to hire native-born workers. 

“If you’re a small-business owner, if you hire an American or if you hire a legal immigrant, you’re subject to a $2,000 dollar fine per employee if you’re not providing health-care under Obamacare. Where suddenly the 11,000,oo0 who are granted legalization, it doesn’t cost you that” He said that it’s a massive economic incentive for employers to not hire Americans in favor of the immigrants.

Senator Cruz has had a busy day.

In an address on the Senate floor, this afternoon, he strongly critiqued the Gang of 8 bill, citing its failure to protect the border. The video for that is here. 

He also gave a speech at the Audit the IRS rally and called for the abolition of the IRS. 

His statement on the president’s remarks at the Brandenberg Gate, here.