Ted Cruz found himself in a July 4th clash with healthcare protesters as the U.S. senator and former Republican presidential candidate spoke at a ceremony and took part in a parade in McAllen, Texas.
Cruz spoke over protesters during a July 4th ceremony in what is considered a Democratic stronghold in Texas, twice pausing to recognized the demonstrators who chanted "USA," reported the Texas Tribune.
"Isn't freedom wonderful?" Cruz told the crowd after taking the stage, per the Tribune. "Think about it: In much of the world, if protesters showed up, they would face violent government oppression. In America, we've got something different."
Some protesters carried signs that said, "Healthcare is a human right," referring to the fight in the U.S. Senate to hammer out a bill repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, nicknamed Obamacare.
Last month, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that 22 million Americans would be left uninsured during a proposal by Senate Republicans to get rid of major parts of the Affordable Care Act while reducing federal spending by $321 billion, reported The Washington Post.
"I will say you have the right to speak, and I will always defend your right to speak and participate in the democratic process," Cruz told the audience at the end of his speech. "That's what makes us free, that's what makes us America."
KGBT-TV reported that opponents and proponents of Cruz lined up at a following parade in downtown McAllen.
"We believe in open communities and open trade between America and its partners in Mexico," Nathan Schwarz, one protester, told the television station. "We also believe in health care for American citizens, and since Ted Cruz is one of the senators whose standing in opposition in Washington, we had this unique opportunity to speak to him today on the Fourth of July. We came out here to express ourselves."
Others showed up in support of Cruz, noted KGBT-TV.
"We have different cultures, not just Hispanics, not just Mexican Americans," said Cassie Leuvano, South Texas regional director for the Republic Party of Texas. "We have from every different country here as Republicans – we're uniting. So we're definitely speaking our voice."
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