Welcome, it is verdict live on the road at the Texas Youth Summit.

Ben Ferguson with you is Senator Ted Cruz, Senator.

I feel like this is a hostage video.

You are in Washington, held hostage right now because of a looming government shutdown.

We know that the president, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, one of your best friends

they are excited about this shutdown.

Explain to everybody what is going to happen with this shutdown and how it is playing out.

Well, for this hostage video, I will try to refrain from blinking SOS with my eyelids.

But I am indeed trapped in a lunatic asylum.

I am in Washington, D.C.

My plan had been to be back there with you.

I have been to the Texas Youth Summit multiple years.

It is a fantastic gathering.

Let me say to all the young men, all the young women who are there, who are standing up,

who are speaking out, who are engaging and making a difference, making a difference in your community,

making a difference in Texas, making a difference in the country.

Thank you for your leadership.

It is a great event.

It is why I always love coming.

But I am right now stuck in D.C.

because we are hours away from yet another government shutdown.

And so if Congress doesn't act, and I think the chances of Congress acting are very, very low,

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