Cruz, along with Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), have called on Republicans to reject any government spending plan that includes funding for the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.

{mosads}A short-term spending deal is expected in September in order to avert a government shutdown when the new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. Congress hasn’t agreed to a 2014 budget or passed the 12 appropriations bills to set its funding priorities. 

Cruz has said he would not support the deal if it includes ObamaCare funding because he believes the law has harmed the U.S. economy.

“In September, Congress will have the opportunity to defund ObamaCare — the disastrous health care law, which is killing jobs and hurting the health care system,” Cruz said.

Republicans have argued that healthcare mandates within the law will raise insurance costs for individuals and that employers who would have to provide insurance to full-time employees will reduce workers’ hours and stop hiring.

Cruz encouraged the public to contact their elected officials to voice concerns about the law.

Democrats point out that the law is already benefiting those with preexisting conditions who can’t be denied coverage, people younger than 26 who can stay on their parent’s insurance plan and women who now pay less for preventative healthcare.