Ted Cruz criticizes GOP leadership for $1.4 trillion spending package, calling it a ‘pile of trash’

WASHINGTON – Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is ripping a $1.4 trillion spending package as a “piece of garbage,” criticizing his Republican leadership in the Senate for striking a deal “in the dark of the night” on legislation that had to be passed this week to avert a government shutdown.

“This pile of trash belongs in an ashtray,” he said in a six-minute video posted late Wednesday to Twitter, lighting up a cigar and then stubbing it out on the 2,300-page bill.

The GOP-run Senate on Thursday voted 71-23 to approve the part of the spending package covering domestic agencies, with Cruz and Texas Sen. John Cornyn among those voting against it. The chamber then voted 81-11 on the national security portion, with Cornyn voting yes and Cruz voting no.

The Democrat-run House passed the bills Tuesday. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation ahead of a Friday evening deadline.