Convenience Big Store: Ted Cruz fights to amend bill he voted against

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Making sense of Ted Cruz's vote on CHIPS Act

For two years, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, led the fight on the bipartisan CHIPS Act, which promises to provide financial incentives for America - and Texas - to rebuild its semiconductor manufacturing prowess.

One of those in the U.S. Senate who opposed the bill? U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

Yet, there Cruz was in Round Rock this week touting legislation he supported to streamline implementation of that law.

"When it comes to the Senate, I have been vigorous in fighting for Texas to be on the front end of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America," Cruz said.

That had me immediately asking him how he could be both against the CHIPS Act Cornyn fought for, yet touting his work on the topic.

Cruz said it is true he voted against the CHIPS Act. He said he opposed the concept of providing tax dollars as incentives to private businesses.

"What frequently happens is that it invites corruption," Cruz said. "It invites cronyism."

He said he wanted an approach more aimed at cutting taxes and regulations for the industry. But having failed at that, Cruz said now that the CHIPS Act is law, he has a responsibility to Texans to fight to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and Texas. Despite his vote, he said he wants to make sure the legislation is implemented in a way that could reduce U.S. reliance on foreign chip manufacturing.

Jeremy Wallace, Texas politics reporter

jeremy.wallace@houstonchronicle.com

Who's up, who's down

Up: Garbage.

New Houston Mayor John Whitmire used his inaugural address to make clear he is not happy with slow collection times for garbage in the city. "We've got to get reliable garbage picked up," Whitmire said. He has said he may explore implementing a garbage fee once he gets settled at City Hall and learns more about the state of the city's finances. During the campaign, he said the city needs newer trucks and more workers.

Down: Wayne LaPierre.

The longtime leader of the National Rifle Association announced he is stepping down. His resignation comes as he faced a corruption trial in Manhattan that is set to start next week.

What do you think? Hit reply and let me know.

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Pick of the day

Jeremy Wallace and Scott Braddock talk all things Texas politics on the Texas Take podcast, released every Friday.

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New Year, new episode of the Texas Take Podcast out today as Scott Braddock and I tackle a lot of political news that simmered over the holidays.

What else I'm reading

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson died a "terrible, painful death" from an infection caused by negligence at her Dallas recovery facility following a September back surgery, according to a statement Thursday from Johnson's family outlining their intention to file a lawsuit. The Texas Tribune reported that the family notified Baylor Scott & White Health System and Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation of their intention to sue on the grounds of medical negligence.