March 18, 2014

Full Page Ad from VoteVets.org Asks Senator Ted Cruz to Explain His Opposition to Biofuels to Iowans

Ad notes that national security is at risk, as well as Iowa’s economy and jobs  

DES MOINES, IA – As Senator Ted Cruz comes to Iowa, the national veterans group, VoteVets.org, is running a full-paged ad in the Des Moines register, today, that challenges the Senator on his opposition to the Renewable Fuel Standard, and Iowa-grown biofuel. 

The ad can be viewed here: http://action.votevets.org/cruz-ad 

The ad welcomes Cruz to Iowa, but citing his opposition to the RFS, says, “Senator Cruz, as military veterans, we have one question for you: Do you want to import more oil from dangerous parts of the world, or produce more clean, homegrown American biofuel?” 

The ad goes on to cite the jobs that the biofuel industry provides for Iowa, the billions of dollars it adds to Iowa economy, and how it lowers US demand for oil, driving down world prices, and thus curbing oil profits of nations that support terrorism, and target our troops. 

The facts support the ad’s case.  On multiple occasions, Cruz has called for an end to the RFS, which would kill Iowa jobs and gut-punch the state’s economy:

  • In a speech to the Heritage Foundation in February, Senator Cruz proposed a 9 point bill encouraging America to “Embrace the American Energy Renaissance”. In this plan, Cruz has included fully repealing the Renewable Fuel Standard.  Source: Cruz: Embrace the American Energy Renaissance
     
  • In August, 2013, Cruz said, “The Renewable Fuels Standard’s impossible mandates are driving up the costs of fuel, food, and goods. We admit we have a problem. Instead of a temporary waiver, let's fix it by fully repealing it.”  Source:  Facebook Page, August 7, 2013
     
  • According to Sen. Cruz’s office, among the ideas that will be included in his new energy bill to “improve domestic refining capacity” is to “repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard”.  Source: Press Release, Feb. 10, 2014.  (Also co-sponsor of the “Renewable Fuel Standard Repeal Act” (S.1195.IS) 

Although the United States often does not directly buy oil from hostile nations, like Iran, America’s dependence on oil drives up demand, and prices of oil on the world market, which benefits all oil-rich nations.  Those oil dollars allowed Iran, for instance, to produce and ship Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) to Iraqi insurgents, who used them to target our troops. 

As the ad notes, “The more fuel we produce here in the Midwest means less we have to buy from the Middle East.” 

As of yet, Cruz has yet to explain his position in front of Iowans. 

Founded in 2006,  and backed by over 400,000 supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers to ensure that troops abroad have what they need to complete their missions, and receive the care they deserve when they get home.  VoteVets.org also recognizes veterans as a vital part of the fabric of our country and will work to protect veterans' interests in their day-to-day lives.   VoteVets.org is committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world - with force when necessary - to protect America.  While non-partisan, the group is the largest progressive organization of veterans in America.

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