Cruz, Menendez spar at Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Egypt

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) got into a heated exchange during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday during a discussion about the Biden administration’s dealings with Egypt.

The issue stemmed from a Biden administration announcement in September that it would withhold $130 million from Egypt over human rights concerns, including releasing or dropping charges against 16 people.

“I would point out, first of all, on the 16 names, the chairman observed that yes, the Biden administration is holding hostage $130 million for Egypt and demanding that 16 people be released from prison,” Cruz said. 

“No, the chairman did not recognize that,” Menendez, who chairs the committee, responded as Cruz tried to interject. “Don’t put words in my mouth that I didn’t say.” 

Cruz then asked Menendez if he denied that the Biden administration was withholding the money, to which Menendez said he “did not need to be cross-examined.”

“You’re cross-examining me,” Cruz shot back. 

As the senators’ continued arguing, Menendez claimed that Cruz was picking a fight with him to benefit his social media presence, saying “I know you want to do this for your YouTube.”

When Menendez eventually stopped to let Cruz speak, the Texas senator replied that was “kind of you.”

“I appreciate your lecture on comity when you interrupt me,” Cruz said.