With a possible government shutdown looming, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz tried to place the blame on squarely on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for refusing to compromise on the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature health care law.
"So far, [Reid] has essentially told the House of Representatives and the American people, 'Go jump in a lake,'" Cruz said on "Meet The Press" on NBC. "He said, 'I'm not willing to compromise, I'm not willing to even talk,' His position is 100 percent of Obamacare must be funded in all instances, and, other than that, he's going to shut the government down. I hope he doesn't do that. If Harry Reid forces a government shutdown, that will be a mistake. I hope he backs away from that ledge that he's pushing us towards, but that is his position."
Cruz continued: "Twice Harry Reid has said, 'We won't even have a conversation. I refuse to compromise. We want to fund it all. We want to stick it on the American people. And we won't budge.' That's not a reasonable position. And if we have a shutdown, it will be because Harry Reid holds that absolutist position, and essentially, holds the American people hostage."
Cruz commended the House's early Sunday vote to keep the government open and delay Obamacare for a year, despite Reid's contention that the bill would be dead on arrival when the Senate resumes work Monday.
"President Obama has granted a delay for giant corporations," Cruz said. "Every big company in America has gotten a one-year delay. If Harry Reid shuts the government down, what he will be saying is, "American families don't get treated as well as we treat giant corporations." Giant corporations don't have to suffer, get a delay on the horns from Obamacare. But hardworking American families, he's going to insist that they suffer now."
Cruz, who last week made headlines with an epic 21-hour filibuster-like speech on the Senate floor railing against Obama's landmark health care law, continued his crusade.
"The American people overwhelming reject Obamacare," Cruz said. "They understand it's not working. The only people who aren't listening to the argument are the career politicians in Washington. It's Harry Reid who wants to use brute political force."
