Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has called the potential bailout of Spirit Airlines a "terrible idea," stating that the federal government lacks knowledge about running a failed budget airline. The deal could see the administration owning up to 90 percent of the airline, which has filed for bankruptcy twice within two years. Cruz also criticized the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which purchased billions in assets from financial institutions during the 2008 financial crisis. Other Republicans on Capitol Hill have also voiced opposition to the deal, suggesting it could be a waste of taxpayer dollars.