close Video

NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Over a decade ago, Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas, predicted that healthcare premiums would skyrocket, even in the face of subsidies put into effect under Obamacare that were meant to bring them down.

Today, the ballooning of those premiums and their accompanying subsidies are at the center of the 22-day shutdown that looks poised to get longer still.

"Despite Obamacare subsidies, many Americans will still be paying higher premiums in 2014 as a result of Obamacare," Cruz said in 2013, referring to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES AT CENTER OF DEM SHUTDOWN FIGHT 'FUEL' HEALTHCARE COST INFLATION, CONSERVATIVES SAY

HOUSE DEMOCRATS THREATEN SHUTDOWN FIGHT TO PROTECT OBAMACARE PERKS

In his 2013 floor speech, Cruz

See Full Page