Texas Republican Rep. Jeff Leach has called out Senator Ted Cruz for flying to Cancun, Mexico amid the ongoing winter storm that left millions of people without power and heat in icy temperatures. Meanwhile, a second Republican in Texas is facing charges for leaving the state on Wednesday when his voters endured the crisis.
In a Friday appearance on CNN, Leach said he was “not happy about” Cruz’s trip, urging elected officials in the state to “show up and be present.”
“I was not happy about it and it was a mistake on his part. I am glad to hear that he admitted last night that it was a mistake when he returned,” he said. ‘I will tell you, in this country we have many challenges. But I believe the biggest problem to be addressed in this country is the lack of confidence that people have in their elected officials and their policy makers at all levels. ‘
MEGA / GC / Getty
He added: ‘It’s important for us to show up, to be present, such a big part of leadership is to be present, and as a state representative for more than 200,000 people here just north of Dallas, I’m here, I’m present, I’m on the ground, I’m available. I work for the people, not the other way around. They are the boss, not the other way around. It is important for us as policymakers to show up for work and do our job. ‘
Newsweek reach out to Cruz’s office for comment.
When Cruz returned to his home in Houston on Thursday, he was met by angry protesters, in the cold chanting song for his resignation.
“Look, that was obviously a mistake,” the Texas senator said. “Afterwards I would not have done it. I tried to be a father. And we all made decisions when you have two girls who have been cold for two days and have no heat or strength. They say: “Hey look, we do not have school, why do not we go, let’s go here.” I think there are a lot of parents who would look like, ‘If I can do this, great.’ That’s what I wanted to do. ‘
Meanwhile, Texas GOP representative Gary Gates also came under fire for leaving his constituency from Home District 28 to Orlando. Gates flew to Florida on Wednesday with his private jet.
Gates defends the trip amid growing criticism, noting that the pipes at his home burst before the trip. He insisted that he put the needs of his immediate family first during a time when his home was flooded.
“My wife is still recovering from an illness she has been struggling with for two weeks, and the room of my adult daughter, who is mentally handicapped and still lives with us, was flooded,” he said. Houston Chronicle.
Brian Walz, who lives in District 28, responded to the news about Gates. “It would have been really nice to help a state representative on the ground, work at a warm-up center, pack food, etc., rather than go away on a private plane (fly) right away if it’s difficult. touch, “Walz said. Chronicle. “My neighbors could not do it when her pipe burst.”