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OPINION
Republican Party

Budget, immigration grab GOP spotlight: #tellusatoday

In a column this week, Sen. Ted Cruz outlined priorities for the Republican Party in 2015. We asked our followers for their thoughts. Comments from Twitter and Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas

Create comprehensive and robust reform in health care, immigration and taxes.

— @tregp

Reduce size and scope of government. Go home, live under what they've created, and let the free market work.

@FreeStateFrank

Stop putting the richest 1% above others; end obstructionism and war on women.

@JimmyCLewis

Meet with Democrats to raise minimum wage, reform taxes to help the middle class and promise to work together with the president.

@JeffOstach

I can't believe that some people are against Cruz's agenda, especially priorities such as maintaining our military, moving toward a flat tax and balancing the budget.

James McGinn

I agree and disagree with Cruz. Why would he repeal Obamacare? Wouldn't it be better to make changes to improve the legislation?

We definitely have to do something about the Federal Reserve. We are being taken advantage of by the Fed and the banks, and we cannot tolerate it any longer.

The country needs immigration reform, but we cannot deport all those people. That would be extremely expensive. Instead, give them a chance, make them pay back taxes and be productive. They're not going anywhere. They have families here and are almost part of the system. One of the last points was the most important: We should pass a balanced budget amendment.

Chris Cabcab

I'm afraid Cruz's column was just more Tea Party talking points. It was long on rhetoric and short on details.

Earnest Richards

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, states: "In 2017, I believe a Republican president will repeal Obamacare." He is out of step with reality. The Affordable Care Act is unlikely to be repealed, regardless of who becomes president. It provides too much income growth to America's medical industry ("Republican priorities for 2015").

Drug and device manufacturers hate the tax they must pay, but they love the expansion of the market for their products that the law ensures. The hospital industry also loves the potential for growth in services and payment, which exists when customers have insurance. Likewise, physicians will benefit. Last but not least, the insurance industry loves the expansion of customers. Too many industries benefit from the ACA for it to be repealed.

Anita Heygster; Pasadena, Md.

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.

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