Austin American-Statesman: What Texans in Congress had to say about the Senate health care vote

Members of Congress from Texas react to the Senate health care vote:

"As long as there is breath in my body, I will be fighting for the working men and women of this country that are being hurt by Obamacare. And I believe it will be repealed. The democratic process is a long process. ... But after all the chest-beating, after all the proud victory laps of the left, I believe this Congress will come back, and in time we will honor our promise."

—U.S.Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas

"Democracy worked — slowly, painfully, with not a vote to spare. Our responsibility is to keep it working by telling the stories of how much harm this ‘mean' effort would cause our neighbors. We must continue demanding accountability from every elected official. ... Though we have delayed the Republican assault, health care coverage for millions continues to hang by a thread."

— U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin

"Today's result in the Senate does not change the fact that Obamacare is bad policy that has resulted in higher premiums, higher deductibles and less choice. I still feel we need to replace it with legislation that lowers premiums, lowers taxes and makes better health care accessible to all."

— U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio "My constituents in Texas and Americans across the country are counting on us. They are sick and tired of the bickering and the lack of productivity here in Washington, D.C., and I don't blame them one bit. They're counting on us to free them from some of the Obamacare mandates that force them to make some very tough economic decisions."

— U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas

Could not be reached: U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Austin; John Carter, R-Round Rock; Roger Williams, R-Austin; and Bill Flores, R-Bryan.