Sen. Ted Cruz Thursday called on his Republican colleagues to "continue to improve" the revised American Health Care Act that was approved by the House by four votes.
"Today was an important step," the first-term Texas senator said. "I am encouraged that House Republicans were able to come together and pass a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare."
Cruz said that the conservative House Freedom Caucus, whose opposition led Speaker Paul Ryan to pull two votes on the original bill in March, "pressed hard to reduce premiums and make healthcare more affordable.
"Their efforts, in cooperation with the entire conference, substantially improved this bill."
The revised AHCA passed on a 217-213 party-line vote, allowing Republicans to make good on their seven-year pledge to repeal former President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation.
"Our work now goes forward in the Senate, where we should continue to improve the bill," Cruz said.
"For many weeks, I have been working closely with my Senate colleagues, from across the ideological spectrum, on consensus reforms to make health insurance more affordable.
"We must deliver on that promise," he continued. "I am optimistic we will get the job done — and honor our commitment to provide more choices for consumers, put people in control of their healthcare, and most importantly, lower premiums."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.