Latest news with #Cruz
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cruz's HOVER Act: Black Hawks Get A High-Tech Copilot For Safer Skies
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is flying high with a new bill that hopes to update the technology used in the American military's helicopter fleet. With the long title of The Helicopter Operational Versatility and Enhanced Readiness Act, more quickly referred to as the HOVER Act, the legislation promises to turn the Army's tried-and-true Black Hawks into modern marvels that can fly with or without a human at the controls. Cruz said in a recent press release that the move is about 'peace through strength,' giving our troops the very best in cutting-edge technology. 'The HOVER Act allows the U.S. Army to modernize its fleet with such technology, boosting military readiness and American national security. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this bill to ensure our military remains the strongest and most effective in the world,' Cruz added. The HOVER Act authorizes the use of government funds to convert at least three Army Black Hawk helicopters into Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPVs), a fancy term for a helicopter that can fly itself or take instructions from a pilot in a format similar to Bluetooth. The OPV tech, already proven in aviation practices outside the military, aims to lighten the load on human pilots, reduce human error, and increase survivability rates during dangerous military missions. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas-6), a former helicopter pilot, is also sponsoring 'companion' legislation in the House. 'As a former helicopter pilot, I understand firsthand the demands and risks associated with complex missions in challenging environments. The HOVER Act is a step forward in aviation safety and mission effectiveness. By integrating Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) technology into Black Hawks, we will not only reduce pilot workload but also enhance situational awareness and increase survivability in high-risk conditions,' Ellzey said. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Army to run a two-year test drive – an operational experimentation program to evaluate how these OPVs perform in the real world. The Secretary will also have to report back to Congress within a year with progress, findings, and recommendations for OPV usage in the future. Some could argue the bill is a no-brainer. Modern combat zones are complex, fast-paced, and dangerous. Cutting-edge tech like OPVs could help pilots focus on their missions and, hopefully, reduce crash rates. Cruz and Ellzey aren't waiting around. They're betting that robotic copilot systems are the next big thing in keeping America's pilots safe in battle. The HOVER Act is about more than just tech updates for a few choppers; it's about ensuring the U.S. Army's helicopters are ready to face tomorrow's modern threats. As Ellzey put it, 'This legislation is about giving our pilots the tools they need to be successful. It gives them the ability to execute their missions safely and effectively and come home to their families.'
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cruz Beckham begs 'tell the truth' in cryptic Instagram post as family 'at war'
Cruz Beckham took to social media to share a cryptic post about 'telling the truth' amid a huge family fallout with Brooklyn Beckham Cruz Beckham posted a cryptic post about "telling the truth" amid his family's feud with older brother Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz. The couple have been the topic of conversation for several months after fans noticed them snub both Victoria and David's recent birthdays. They failed to show up to any of David's many 50th birthday celebrations, including his family trip to Paris, family dinner in the Cotswolds and celebrity party in Notting Hill. Brooklyn added fuel to the fire when he seemingly showcased his stance by posting "I'll always choose you" in a tribute to his socialite wife. Amid the family drama, Cruz took to his Instagram Stories to share a cryptic post. Using a picture of the top of his hair as the background, he wrote: " "It takes 43 muscles in your face to frown, and 17 to smile. Be kind and tell the truth," he wrote. It comes only a few days after Cruz broke his social media silence to defend his family. Amid the ongoing family feud, Brooklyn stunned fans as he declared publicly he is 'choosing' wife Nicola Peltz in a gushing tribute to the Bates Motel actress. The message stunned fans with many calling for Brooklyn and his billionaire heiress wife to 'grow up.' Brooklyn was warned about cutting ties with his once close knit family as he appeared to shatter for good the once impenetrable bond. Cruz appeared furious as he took to Instagram and seemed to make a dig at his big brother's antics. He shared: "I love my family, I love you guys more than anything, mum & dad you gave us life and cared for us no matter what, I cannot tell you how blessed we all are to have you in our lives x." The picture Cruz shared alongside the post did include Brooklyn as he appeared to extend an olive branch to the wannabe chef who has distanced himself from his family in recent months. Brooklyn had previously shared a clip of him driving wife Nicola on his motorbike through California where they now live. Nicola put her arms round Brooklyn and held tightly on as he sped around the palm tree lined streets. Captioning the short video, he wrote: "My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you're the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby."
Int'l Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Ted Cruz Insists Democrats 'Ought To Be Saying Thank You' to Musk as Billionaire Steps Down From Trump Team
Sen. Ted Cruz defended Elon Musk during a Fox News interview, saying Democrats "ought to be saying thank you" to the billionaire for his unpaid work in the Trump administration, following Musk's quiet departure from his government post. Musk had served as a "special government employee" in the Trump administration for 130 days, a role that ended on May 30. His tenure, which involved efforts to root out federal inefficiencies, drew fierce criticism from the left due to concerns over conflicts of interest and his increasingly political public statements. Talking to Fox News' Sean Hannity, Cruz accused Democrats of hypocrisy, claiming Musk was once praised for his work on clean energy but became vilified after aligning with Trump and criticizing progressive positions on immigration, gender, and free speech. "I think the American people ought to be saying to Elon, 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' He came and spent four months working for the American people free of charge, didn't collect a salary, made nothing. He rooted out massive waste, fraud and abuse, and he did so at enormous cost to himself," Cruz said. Cruz also condemned the backlash against Musk as "domestic terrorism," referencing protests and vandalism at Tesla facilities during his time in government. With Musk no longer officially affiliated with the Trump administration, Republican figures like Cruz are working to reframe his involvement as a patriotic sacrifice. Cruz emphasized Musk took no salary and claimed the billionaire lost "tens of billions" in stock value while facing a torrent of personal threats. "As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government," Musk wrote on X ahead of his departure. Whether Musk returns in any formal capacity is unclear, but GOP leaders seem eager to keep him in their corner. Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ted Cruz Begs Americans to Stop Being So Nasty to Elon Musk
Sen. Ted Cruz used a Fox News interview to act as a human shield for Elon Musk, demanding Americans get down and kiss the billionaire's feet for his DOGE work. Musk has called time on his stint at the Trump administration, with his 130-day 'special government employee' status elapsing on May 30. His time at Trump's side was tumultuous, with Tesla caught up in the pushback against his cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency. Cruz appears shocked by the backlash, telling Fox News's Sean Hannity on Wednesday evening that Americans should be expressing deep gratitude to Musk and chanting 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' The left's reaction, he said, was somewhat different. 'It shows what utter hypocrites they are,' he told the host. The Texas senator was likely referencing the pushback towards Musk's government position, which inspired claims of a conflict of interests and triggered a backlash that saw violent protests at Tesla dealerships and charging stations, with cars defaced, battered, and even burned. Cruz said Musk had been 'a hero to the left' through his championing of electric alternatives to gas-guzzling vehicles. 'And then he had the temerity to actually speak the truth, to support Donald Trump, to speak up against the madness of open borders, to speak up against the insanity of men and women's sports, to speak up against the woke mind virus. And the left decided he was Adolf Hitler. He was the embodiment of evil,' he said, branding the attacks on Tesla dealerships 'domestic terrorism.' 'I think the American people ought to be saying to Elon, 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' He came and spent four months working for the American people free of charge, didn't collect a salary, made nothing. He rooted out massive waste, fraud and abuse, and he did so at enormous cost to himself,' Cruz continued. 'You look at his stock holdings, his stock holdings dropped tens of billions of dollars. It was a personal sacrifice and the death threats that were directed against him were massive. I think Elon is an extraordinary entrepreneur, an extraordinary business leader.' Hannity emphatically agreed—recounting how he bought a Tesla out of 'solidarity' with Musk. 'It's the best car I've ever driven. The best engineer[ed] car. It is the fastest car, the most fun car. It's really amazing,' he said.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cruz Beckham's girlfriend channels inner Victoria with bob and black dress
Cruz Beckham's girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, looked shockingly similar to matriarch Victoria Beckham as she showcased her slicked-back bob and form-fitting black dress Cruz Beckham's girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, channelled her inner Victoria Beckham as she shared snaps of herself rocking a bob and a stunning black dress. She bore a striking resemblance to Posh Spice in her heyday in an off-the-shoulder form-fitting black dress with a slicked back bob. In one snap, the 29-year-old gave the camera a pout as she leaned on the wall behind her. Another showed her looking off-screen as she gave a sly smile. The star, who captioned the carousel of snaps with an anatomically correct heart emoji, also showed fans a polaroid of Cruz, 20, giving her a kiss on the cheek. In recent months, fans have noticed her rocking similar looks to ones Victoria has rocked over the years, including modern versions of her iconic little black dress, leisurewear and a gorgeous satin dress. Earlier this month, while the Beckham family feud was still fresh, Jackie seemingly took a swipe at Cruz's older brother Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz. Jackie appeared alongside him at several of David Beckham 's 50th birthday events. While the rest of the Beckham clan gathered to toast the milestone, one pair was noticeably absent - his eldest son Brooklyn and his wife, actress Nicola. Jackie, who is said to have grown close to Victoria, subtly added fuel to the fire with a seemingly heartfelt Instagram post from the festivities. One photo showed Cruz cheekily holding a knife toward her in a joking manner, while Jackie captioned the collection: 'I wish you could feel how much love was in the room these days through the phone.' A sweet sentiment on the surface - but fans had speculated that it was also a quiet dig at those who chose not to show up. In December last year, an insider told The Mirror Victoria was concerned about the age gap in Cruz's relationship with the Brazilian singer. They told the Mirror: "Although Victoria is pleased that Cruz seems happy in his relationship, she does have some concerns about the age gap and whether her youngest son is ready for that kind of commitment. "She really likes Jackie, and Jackie seems to get on with all the family but Victoria would be lying if she said that her being 10 years older than Cruz isn't a worry. Cruz is still a teenager whereas Jackie is a fully grown woman who is at a different stage in her life and may want things that Cruz is not quite ready for. "Victoria knows her kids have had to grow up quicker than 'normal' kids but she wants them to have as much fun as possible before they settle down. "She is conscious of being seen as the interfering 'mother-in-law' but she has to protect her children and she's also joked that she doesn't want it to be Cruz who is the first one to make her a grandma!"
