Summary of "Beating Dem Obstruction on Trump Cabinet Nominees, plus Border Executive Orders & Biden Pardons"

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson hosted by Ben Ferguson features an in-depth conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, addressing critical political maneuvers surrounding Trump’s cabinet nominations, border security executive orders, and recent Biden pardons. Released on January 24, 2025, this episode delves into the strategies employed by Republicans to counter Democratic obstructionism, the effectiveness of executive orders in securing the border, and the implications of President Biden’s pardons on congressional investigations.

1. Democratic Obstructionism in Cabinet Confirmations

Senator Ted Cruz's Return and Early Discussions The episode begins with Senator Ted Cruz joining Ben Ferguson after a brief hiatus due to illness. Cruz shares anecdotes about his hectic schedule and interactions with fellow Republicans, highlighting the challenges of maintaining momentum during high-pressure periods.

Obstruction of Trump’s Cabinet Nominees Cruz elaborates on the ongoing efforts by Democrats to impede the confirmation of Trump’s cabinet nominees. He cites the unanimous confirmation of Marco Rubio on January 20th as a contrast to the obstruction faced by subsequent nominees. Discussing the nomination of Pete Hegseth, Cruz outlines the Senate's procedural delays orchestrated by Democrats, emphasizing their strategy to prolong the confirmation process despite Republican majority support.

"The tool that the opposition party has in the Senate is they can delay. They can... drag it out." [00:38]

Senate Rules and Voting Strategies Cruz breaks down the Senate's 30-hour rule for nomination debates, explaining how Democrats exploit procedural mechanisms to stall votes. He anticipates that Republicans will respond by committing to extended stays in Washington, D.C., effectively pressuring Democrats to relent.

"If they continue to be deeply obstructionist at some point, I fully expect we will call the question." [11:52]

The Nuclear Option and Historical Context A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Senate's "nuclear option," a procedural tactic that allows for changing confirmation vote thresholds. Cruz criticizes former Democratic leaders, particularly Harry Reid, for setting precedents that have long-term implications on Senate operations and the balance of power.

"That's why, literally, Roe vs. Wade would not have been overturned. And you want to know whose fault it is that Roe vs. Wade was overturned? Harry Reid and every Democrat senator who voted to exercise the nuclear option." [15:13]

2. Strategies to Overcome Obstruction

Leveraging Senatorial Commitments Cruz emphasizes the importance of Republican senators staying in Washington over weekends to counteract Democratic delays. By remaining present and committed, Republicans aim to exhaust opposition and secure timely confirmations.

"We're gonna be here throughout the weekend... We're going to vote on Pete Hegseth, I think, at 9pm Friday night." [01:32]

Predicting Democratic Tactics and Responses Cruz predicts that Democrats may hope for Republican defections, a scenario he doubts will materialize. He outlines potential outcomes, including expedited voting processes if Democrats agree to cease delays.

"I think it’s 50, 50. My gut is we'll go home Saturday morning, but maybe not." [21:10]

3. Executive Orders and Border Security

Comparing Trump Administrations Cruz contrasts the initial Trump administration's challenges with the current administration’s efficiency in executing border security measures. He acknowledges past staffing issues but praises the current team’s loyalty and competence.

"One of the biggest ways it's different, I think they're much more savvy... avoiding appointing people who are gonna fight against the president's agenda." [22:56]

Impact of Executive Orders The discussion highlights over 100 executive orders signed on day one, focusing on border security enhancements such as ending "catch and release," reinstating the "remain in Mexico" policy, and increasing efforts to deport violent criminals. Cruz underscores the immediate impact of these orders in reducing illegal border crossings.

"Ending catch and release... the numbers plummet immediately because virtually everyone who comes into this country illegally has a cell phone and so they call back home and say, hey, don't come." [27:11]

Legislative vs. Executive Actions Cruz differentiates between the rapid implementation of executive orders and the permanence of legislative actions. He advocates for Congress to follow up with legislation to solidify border protections and prevent future administrations from reversing these measures.

"Executive orders are quick, but they're temporary. Legislation is slower, but it has the advantage of... much more permanent change." [27:03]

4. Mexico’s Role in Border Security

Challenges with Mexican Cooperation Cruz discusses the complexities of reinstating the "remain in Mexico" policy, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation from the Mexican government. He highlights the increased power of Mexican cartels under Biden’s administration and the potential leverage the U.S. can exert through tariffs to secure Mexico’s cooperation.

"The Mexican drug cartels were making roughly $500 million in revenue from human trafficking. Last year, the Mexican drug cartels made over $13 billion from human trafficking." [28:29]

Prospects for Strengthening Borders Cruz is optimistic that renewed U.S. pressure will enable the Mexican government to combat cartels more effectively, thereby enhancing border security and reducing illegal immigration.

"I think we will get Mexico to cooperate because at the end of the day, the leverage that the President has is so enormous." [30:17]

5. Biden’s Pardons and Congressional Investigations

Analysis of Biden’s Pardon Strategy Cruz critiques President Biden’s extensive use of pardons, particularly targeting members of his own family involved in corruption. He explains how these pardons eliminate the threat of federal prosecution, thereby stripping individuals of their Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination.

"The Biden DOJ pardoned them, which means they don't have the Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer questions under oath." [35:13]

Implications for Congressional Power The senator discusses the ramifications of pardons on Congress’s ability to subpoena and compel testimony from pardoned individuals. He predicts that this will enable Congress to pursue investigations without legal hindrances posed by self-incrimination protections.

"If they refuse to answer, they can be held in contempt and put in jail." [35:46]

Potential for Increased Accountability Cruz anticipates that Congress will use its subpoena power more aggressively against pardoned individuals, potentially leading to high-profile testimonies and further unraveling of the Biden administration’s alleged corruption.

"We have to enforce the law fairly regardless of party... One of the results of all these pardons is that Congress can now subpoena the members of the Biden family and force them to answer questions under oath." [36:00]

6. Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

Personal Reflections and Family Impact Cruz shares personal insights into the toll that prolonged Senate sessions have on his family life, underscoring the human element behind political strategies.

"Heidi and I, Friday night, we're planning to do date night... I told her I think the odds are very slim that I'm going to make date night tomorrow." [21:18]

Anticipated Developments The episode concludes with Cruz expressing hope that Republicans will successfully navigate through the weekend’s confirmations, return to their families, and prepare for subsequent strategic moves in the Senate. He underscores the importance of sustained efforts to secure border integrity and hold the Biden administration accountable through legislative and investigative means.

"We hope you make it home this weekend back to the fam. And that Democrats don't hold these votes and ruin everybody's weekend with their family." [37:02]

Key Takeaways:

• Republican Strategy Against Obstruction: Utilizing Senate rules and extended presence in Washington to counteract Democratic delays in cabinet confirmations.

• Effectiveness of Executive Orders: Demonstrating immediate impact on border security through executive actions, while advocating for permanent legislative solutions.

• Mexico’s Cooperation Crucial: Emphasizing the role of U.S. leverage in securing Mexican support to combat powerful drug cartels.

• Biden’s Pardons Undermine Investigations: Highlighting how presidential pardons remove legal protections for individuals, thereby enabling Congress to pursue comprehensive investigations.

Notable Quotes:

• "Senators really grumpy when they have to stay through the weekend... I don't like being in the frozen tundra that is Washington on Saturday and Sunday." – Senator Ted Cruz [11:52]

• "Roe vs. Wade would not have been overturned. And you want to know whose fault it is that Roe vs. Wade was overturned? Harry Reid and every Democrat senator who voted to exercise the nuclear option." – Senator Ted Cruz [15:13]

• "Ending catch and release... the numbers plummet immediately because virtually everyone who comes into this country illegally has a cell phone and so they call back home and say, hey, don't come." – Senator Ted Cruz [27:11]

• "The Biden DOJ pardoned them, which means they don't have the Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer questions under oath." – Senator Ted Cruz [35:13]

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape, focusing on the interplay between Senate procedures, executive actions, and presidential pardons. Senator Cruz offers a strategic perspective on overcoming legislative obstruction, enhancing border security, and leveraging congressional powers to investigate and hold the Biden administration accountable.