U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is spending some time in Texas as the August recess winds down. Today’s stops included a visit to National Instruments in Austin, where he’s calling for people to join his effort against the Affordable Care Act.
He's urging the public to sign an online petition aimed at influencing members of the U.S. Congress to vote to get Obamacare defunded in a government appropriations bill.
The Republican and Tea Party favorite is critical of what he says would be the health care overhaul’s effect on the job market.
"I want as many Americans as possible to get health insurance, and the best way for them to get health insurance is to get good high-paying jobs," Sen. Cruz said. "And Obamacare is the single highest job killer in the country."
Cruz also made a stop at the ribbon cutting for a new VA clinic in Austin. Texas has the more uninsured veterans than any other state.
Before a quick exit, Cruz was asked about his plans for the next presidential race and his potential competition.
"I think it is way premature to be worrying about 2016. I’m a big fan of Governor Perry’s. In terms of what I’m doing, 100 percent of my focus is on the U.S. Senate."
After leaving Texas, the next stop for Sen. Cruz is New Hampshire.