SAN ANTONIO – After what he called a disappointing loss by only a single vote in the U.S. Senate last month, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said Monday in San Antonio that repealing Obamacare is still his top priority.
"I believe failure is not an option," Cruz said.
The senator said Obamacare has been "a job killer," especially among small businesses.
Cruz was in the Alamo City to give the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce his legislative update.
Related: Cruz calls for withdrawing from Paris Climate Pact
The senator also said he wants tax reform that includes a simple flat rate and to abolish the Internal Revenue Service. Cruz said regulatory reform is also needed "to lift the burden" on job creators.
Cruz said a fourth priority is appointing and confirming "strong constitutionalists" to the nation's federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
"If we deliver on those promises, this could be the most productive Congress in decades," Cruz said. "If we fail, it'll be an enormous missed opportunity."
Cruz did mention how members of Congress reacted to President Donald Trump's response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
"There's no doubt that this issues touches powerful emotions because it brings back our country's original sin of slavery," he said.
Related: Cruz: 'Sanctuary cities are wrong'
But Cruz said a larger task is at hand.
"My focus is on delivering results for 28 million Texans," Cruz said.
Although Cruz has two potential Republican challengers planning to run against him, the likely Democratic opponent will be U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso.
