Cruz: Obamacare Debate Is in the Hands of the American People

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) spoke to reporters following his 21 hour and 19 minute speech on the floor of the Senate. Cruz discussed the problems of Obamacare during that time with the intention of convincing his Senate colleagues to vote “no” on a cloture vote that would allow Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to strip the House’s continuing resolution of its measure to defund Obamacare with a bare minimum vote in the upper chamber.

“I hope that this filibuster gave the American people an opportunity to express their views and to engage in this debate. The American people are being hammered by the Obamacare, the biggest job killer in this country,” Cruz told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

“Millions of Americans are losing their jobs or they’re not finding jobs,” he explained. “Millions of Americans are seeing themselves forcibly put into part-time work–working 29 hours a week. Millions of Americans are facing sky rocketing health insurance premiums. Millions of Americans are either losing their health insurance or at risk of losing their health insurance.”

“The vote is clear. I believe all 46 Republicans should stand united. I hope we stand united,” Cruz said. “We were not going into this debate, but I hope it dissipates and we all stand together against cloture on the bill, because a vote for cloture on the bill–anyone voting with Harry Reid and the Democrats on cloture is voting to give Harry Reid and the Democrats the ability to fund Obamacare with just 51 votes on a partisan political vote.” 

When asked if his 21-hour long remarks was just political theater, Cruz replied, “This was all about elevating the debate in the public and giving the American people the chance to speak at this point. The debate is in the hands of the American people. I believe that if Republicans listen to the people we will unite and vote against cloture, because we do not wish to allow Harry Reid and the Democrats to fund Obamacare.”

As per Senate rules, since Cruz was not engaged in a technical filibuster, he was forced to yield his floor time at 12 PM on Wednesday to break for the executive session.