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The 5 Agencies Ted Cruz Would Cut

Cruz outlined the five federal agencies he'd cut. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Cruz outlined the five federal agencies he'd cut. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Like a certain Texas Republican before him, Ted Cruz had a bit of an “oops” moment during Tuesday’s GOP presidential debate.  

While certainly not as egregious as former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s famous faux pas at a 2011 debate when he forgot the third agency he’d like to cut  (“Oops,” Perry said), the junior senator from Texas listed the five agencies he would eliminate — but omitted the Department of Education by counting the Commerce Department twice. Unlike Perry, who stopped after “oops,” Cruz plowed right through the moment.  

About 30 minutes prior to the debate, National Review posted Cruz’s plan , where he outlined the agencies he’d cut and also the taxes he’d eliminate on his way to cutting the IRS.  

Below are the five agencies, including the IRS, Cruz would cut if given the power, along with his explanation:  

“Internal Revenue Service — to dramatically simplify the tax code and enable everyone to fill out their taxes on a postcard or smartphone app.  

“Department of Education — to return education to those who know our students best: parents, teachers, local communities, and states. And to block-grant education funding to the states.  

“Department of Energy — to cut off the Washington cartel, stop picking winners and losers, and unleash the energy renaissance.  

“Department of Commerce — to close the ‘congressional cookie jar’ and promote free enterprise and free trade for every business.  

“Department of Housing and Urban Development — to offer real solutions that lift people out of hardship, rather than trapping families in a cycle of poverty, and to empower hurting Americans by reforming most of the remaining programs, such as Section 8 housing.”  

Cruz Slams Immigration Official Over ‘Sanctuary Cities’ 

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Related: Ted Cruz Outpaces Rivals by Wielding His Gavel  Ted Cruz on Iran Deal: There Will Be Blood Ted Cruz Takes the Floor, But Don’t Call it a Filibuster See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site. Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.

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