Bloomberg Talks – "Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) Talks ICE, Government Shutdown"

Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Texas Senator John Cornyn discusses pressing issues facing Congress, including a potential government shutdown, proposed reforms to ICE operations following recent incidents in Minneapolis, and political developments in Texas and on the national stage. The conversation concludes with his views on U.S. policy toward Iran amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Cornyn’s candid insights reflect partisan divides, legislative gridlock, and his traditional positions on law enforcement and election integrity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Government Shutdown & Short-Term Extension

• [00:37–01:24]
  • Congress has agreed to a two-week continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown, but Cornyn is skeptical lasting solutions can be reached in such a short time.
    • "It's entirely possible...the House can then take up and pass the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. But it sounds like...Democrats in the House are not going to cooperate." — Cornyn [00:50]
  • The lack of bipartisan cooperation is, in his view, wasting valuable legislative time.
    • "This is the basic functioning of government...it's unnecessary and it's...an opportunity cost..." — Cornyn [01:32]

2. ICE Reforms Amid Minneapolis Shootings

• [01:57–06:53]
  • Discussion focuses on Democratic proposals: unmasking ICE agents, requiring body cameras, ending warrantless raids, and increasing training.
    • Cornyn expresses openness to "improving operations" but opposes what he views as anti-law enforcement measures.
    • He attributes violence and controversies in Minneapolis to "sanctuary jurisdictions" that impede federal law enforcement.
      • "ICE has no alternative but to make these detentions in the general population...with disastrous consequences." — Cornyn [02:27]
  • On unmasking ICE agents:
    • "That's an insult to ICE agents...ICE agents are going to be targeted...their identity should be protected...just a ridiculous request." — Cornyn [03:43]
  • Asked about changing his stance after recent shootings:
    • Cornyn insists local government refusal to cooperate with ICE is the central issue.
      • "The answer to it is for the sanctuary jurisdictions to cooperate with federal law enforcement so that federal immigration laws can be enforced, hopefully without these kind of tragedies occurring." — Cornyn [04:33]
  • Clarification on openness to reforms:
    • Supports "fine-tuning procedures" to de-escalate conflict but stresses that local governments must also change.
      • "While ICE may need to fine tune some of its procedures...that's a two way street." — Cornyn [05:58]
    • Praises Tom Holman as a professional voice seeking order in the current "chaos."

3. Texas Politics: Special Election Shock

• [06:53–08:00]
  • Addresses the surprising Democratic victory in Texas Senate District 9, a traditionally strong Republican area.
    • Points to factors: low voter turnout (15%), candidate quality, campaign choices.
      • "Special elections are notoriously volatile...the Republican candidate was campaigning on was not...received well by the voters..." — Cornyn [07:06]
    • Suggests Republicans need to analyze and learn from the defeat.

4. Voter ID and Election Nationalization

• [08:00–09:22]
  • Responds to the idea (suggested by President Trump on Dan Bongino’s show) of "nationalizing" voting in several states.
    • Cornyn supports federal standards for voter identification, specifically the Save America Act, but opposes a federal takeover of elections.
      • "There should be a standard of voter identification...that is not a takeover...but...requires...that American citizens be allowed to vote and anyone who can't produce the appropriate identification would not be allowed." — Cornyn [08:18]
    • Strongly supports states' rights to run their own elections, but wants mandatory proof of citizenship and voter ID everywhere for ballot integrity.
      • "In those blue states...a requirement of proof of American citizenship and voter ID is...something that is supported on a bipartisan basis..." — Cornyn [08:54]

5. U.S. Policy Toward Iran

• [09:22–11:03]
  • Cornyn comments on the Biden administration's tough choices regarding Iran, calling it the world's top sponsor of terrorism and linking it to ongoing regional instability.
    • Worries about the consequences of regime change, referencing the lack of post-leadership institutions in authoritarian states.
      • "There is no easy answer in Iran." — Cornyn [09:29]
    • On further military action, he acknowledges that targeted strikes on the IRGC or Quds Force are "on the table."
      • "The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Quds Force...are the primary tools...of international terrorism emanating from Tehran..." — Cornyn [10:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This is the basic functioning of government. It's the pay the bills, keep the lights on...an opportunity cost..."
  — Senator Cornyn on legislative gridlock [01:32]
• "That's an insult to ICE agents...they are being targeted by some of the anti ICE instigators...their identity should be protected."
  — Cornyn rebuffing ICE unmasking proposals [03:43]
• "Special elections are notoriously volatile...what the Republican candidate was campaigning on was not...received well by the voters."
  — Cornyn on the Texas District 9 upset [07:06]
• "There should be a standard of voter identification...requires...that American citizens be allowed to vote..."
  — Cornyn on the Save America Act [08:18]
• "There is no easy answer in Iran."
  — Cornyn on U.S. policy options in Iran [09:29]

Important Timestamps

• 00:37-01:24 – Cornyn on short-term deal, gridlock
• 01:57-06:53 – ICE reforms and Minneapolis shootings discussion
• 06:53-08:00 – Texas special election analysis
• 08:00-09:22 – Voter ID and election management
• 09:22-11:03 – Debate over U.S. options for Iran

Tone and Style

• Cornyn is direct, traditional, and partisan—he attributes legislative problems and tragedies involving ICE primarily to Democratic policies and “sanctuary” jurisdictions.
• Throughout, he emphasizes law and order, institutional integrity, and skepticism of sweeping reforms or federal intervention, except for enforcing voter identification.

This episode provides insight into not only Senator Cornyn's priorities and political philosophy, but also the broader debates shaping the U.S. legislative landscape in early 2026.