Sen. Cruz Introduces Bills to Protect National Security, Support Men and Women in Uniform

On Thursday, I introduced two bills to protect our national security and support our men and women in uniform. First, the Expatriate Terrorist Act (ETA), will prevent Americans who are fighting alongside a terrorist organization overseas from reentering the United States and recognizes such actions as a renunciation of U.S. citizenship. Second, the Operation United Assistance Tax Exclusion Act, cosponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, provides that members of our military deployed to combat the spread of Ebola be entitled to the same tax benefits as those serving in a combat zone.

America continues to suffer the consequences of the failed Obama-Clinton-Kerry foreign policy. From Syria to Iraq to Yemen, it is clear that when America withdraws from the world, the world becomes a more dangerous place. We must take bold action to protect our homeland by declaring that Americans who have traveled abroad to fight with radical Islamic terrorists have renounced their citizenship, and we must preempt any of their efforts to re-enter the country and launch further attacks on Americans.

While we take steps to protect Americans at home, we must never forget that once our Armed Forces are deployed in harm's way, Congress and the Commander-in-Chief have a responsibility to support them and their families who remain behind. That’s why I am also reintroducing the Operation United Assistance Tax Exclusion Act, to give our troops the appropriate recognition for their service in the fight against Ebola.