(The Center Square) – The only congressman representing eastern Washington spent Sunday outlining how Democrats are advocating for loopholes to provide taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
The federal government shut down nearly two weeks ago after Senate Democrats refused to support a continuing resolution that would have kept the lights on until Nov. 21. The temporary funding bill requires a 60-vote majority in the Senate to end the shutdown, but Republicans only occupy 53 seats.
Democrats have held press conferences almost daily, accusing Republicans of prolonging the shutdown by refusing to extend several COVID-era Medicaid subsidies. Those Affordable Care Act premiums don’t expire until December, so Congress could wait to address this in the next round of funding negotiations.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told constituents last Wednesday that the only two Republicans from her state were on vacation. While Rep. Dan Newhouse responded with a selfie from outside her office, Rep. Michael Baumgartner answered questions from reporters on Sunday about Medicaid eligibility.
“Washington certainly does provide health care services to illegal immigrants,” Baumgarter said, “and what we had prohibited under the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ was this use of federal tax dollars going for illegal immigrants — and it’s precisely what the Democrats are trying to unwind in their demands.”
He said Medicaid is taxpayer-funded health care where the federal government matches what states spend on the services for people who can’t afford insurance. In the past, Washington and others saw up to a 40% to 50% match, but this has since increased to 90% under Medicaid expansion programs.
Some states, such as Washington, also charge provider taxes on hospitals. These charges essentially make it look like the state is spending more on Medicaid, when in reality, they act as a second tax on Americans. This allows the states to receive higher reimbursements from the federal government.
The Washington state Legislature allocated $150 million to its Medicaid expansion program during the most recent session. According to the Washington State Health Care Authority, individuals can enroll in Apple Health Expansion, “regardless of immigration status,” at the expense of American taxpayers.
“Obviously, we think that’s bad policy,” Baumgartner said. “But again, there should be no policy that should be at stake or policy demands that should be being made for this government shutdown.”
He criticized Senate Democrats for holding the government “hostage” as the military and other federal workers go unpaid and benefits dry up. Baumgartner said their holdout is only increasing government dysfunction and putting additional costs on taxpayers who don’t want to subsidize illegal immigrants.
Federal workers are taking furlough days as the shutdown drags on, and Baumgartner said several people in his own district have reported losing their own jobs. Murray wants Republicans to extend the ACA premiums before open enrollment starts next month, locking in higher rates for enrollees.
The next open enrollment period is for coverage starting Jan. 1, so if Congress doesn’t extend the subsidies before mid-December, the states may have to put up more funding to cover the difference.
“We’re always happy to work with the Democrats, but we’re not going to respond to hostage taking to reopen the government,” Baumgartner said. “We’ve passed all of the appropriations that need to happen to get folks paid. They need to do the same thing and vote to reopen the government.”
