In a recent CNN interview with Jake Tapper, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was pressed on Democratic support for healthcare provisions that Republicans claim would benefit undocumented immigrants. The exchange became tense as Tapper questioned Jeffries about specific aspects of a spending bill that has sparked political controversy.
Jeffries began by criticizing the Republican-backed continuing resolution, calling it a “partisan bill” that he said would hurt veterans, seniors, children, and healthcare access overall. He pointed out that House Democrats opposed the bill due to these concerns, while emphasizing that a bipartisan agreement on spending had been reached in December.
Tapper challenged Jeffries by noting that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats had supported a similar bill earlier in the year. Jeffries acknowledged that the bill had challenging components but reiterated that Democrats were fighting against Medicaid cuts that he claims would affect 14 million Americans.
The conversation then turned to healthcare coverage for non-citizens. Tapper referenced Subtitle E of the bill and stated that while it does not directly offer health insurance to undocumented immigrants, it includes provisions for funding emergency Medicaid. This funding can be used by hospitals that serve all patients, including undocumented individuals and non-citizen groups such as asylum seekers or those with temporary protected status.
Jeffries pushed back, labeling Republican claims as misleading. He emphasized that current federal law prohibits taxpayer-funded Medicaid and Medicare benefits for undocumented immigrants and stated that no Democrats are seeking to change that law. He framed the debate as an effort to protect the healthcare of legal residents and U.S. citizens.
The interview highlighted the political complexity surrounding healthcare policy and immigration, with both sides accusing the other of misrepresenting the facts. Jeffries maintained that Democrats are focused on preserving access to care for millions of Americans in the face of proposed cuts.
