Sen. Ted Cruz says legislation raising the debt ceiling is among the best leverage that Congress has to rein in the White House and should include changes to the nation's new health insurance system.

The Texas Republican said Sunday in addition to what he calls "Obamacare," Republicans should also look for a "significant" plan to reduce new spending and avoiding new taxes.

He points out that past debt ceiling authorizations included changes to the banking system and mandatory budget cuts.

The nation is in the fifth day of a partial government shutdown over attempts by the Republican-controlled House to alter or delay the new health insurance program and faces an Oct. 17 deadline to avoid a first-ever default on its financial obligations.

Cruz spoke on CNN's "State of the Union."