The last time that Sen. Ted Cruz, R-T.X., described the Democrats, he called them “bat-crap crazy.”
Now, Cruz finds himself cutting a deal with an unlikely lawmaker…. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Cruz reached across the aisle and respond to the congressional Democrat over a crucial political issue.
“Indeed, I have long called for a LIFETIME BAN on former Members of Congress becoming lobbyists,” Cruz responded to an Ocasio-Cortez tweet late last week. “The Swamp would hate it, but perhaps a chance for some bipartisanship cooperation?”
Here’s something I don’t say often: on this point, I AGREE with @AOC Indeed, I have long called for a LIFETIME BAN on former Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. The Swamp would hate it, but perhaps a chance for some bipartisan cooperation? https://t.co/jPW0xkH2Yy
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 30, 2019
To which Ocasio-Cortez responded with what seems like the unthinkable —
.@tedcruz if you’re serious about a clean bill, then I’m down.
Let’s make a deal.
If we can agree on a bill with no partisan snuck-in clauses, no poison pills, etc – just a straight, clean ban on members of Congress becoming paid lobbyists – then I’ll co-lead the bill with you. https://t.co/AZTbmdSexv
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 30, 2019
Lawmakers who turn into lobbyists after Congress is popular among D.C. politicians, as a way to cash in on the so-called “swamp.”
Under the laws that exist now, a congressman who leaves office is only required to wait a year before becoming a lobbyist Former senators only need to wait two years.
It’s known around Washington D.C. as the “revolving door”, an overwhelming amount of politicians leave Capitol Hill and become wealthy lobbyists.
Cruz has been trying to ban the practice for years. With Ocasio-Cortez’ help, he’s getting backing on both sides of the aisle, according to NPR.
Sen. Chip Roy, R-T.X. suggested he’d happily lead or co-sponsor a bill.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-H.I., simply wrote in response to the deal, “IN.”
The Horn editorial team