Sen. Ted Cruz said Sunday said he believes the upper chamber will be able to pass a healthcare reform bill – but failing that, he'd enthusiastically support a repeal of Obamacare first before a replacement bill.
In an interview with ABC News' "This Week," condemned Democrats' attacks on the health care reform efforts so far.
"I believe we can get this done," Cruz said of a Senate bill. "I believe Republicans can come together to honor that promise and I think the way to do it is to focus on lowering premiums."
Cruz said the GOP is making "steady progress" and that talks have been "collaborative and in good faith."
"You know, I don't think we should be deceived by [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer and his attacks and misstatements" on pre-existing conditions coverage.
But the Texas Republican also said he remains supportive of a full repeal of Obamacare first if necessary.
"I agree with the president and indeed that's something [Utah GOP Sen.] Mike Lee and I both urged back in January," he said. "We pointed out that Congress has voted 40, 50, 60 times to repeal Obamacare and Mike Lee and I both said, 'all right, let's start with the language in 2015 that just about every Republican voted for in both houses. Let's pass that, have it go into effect a year or two years from now and then spend that time debating the replacement.'
"At the time that proposal was rejected by leadership and the administration but if we can't get this done right now, I agree with the president then let's honor the promise on repeal and spend more time to get it done..."
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