Debate over Health Care to Illegal Aliens will Continue after August Recess

Updated Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 1:42 PM EST - posted on NumbersUSA

Blue Dog Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have struck a deal with the House leadership that will prevent a floor vote on the health care reform bill before the August recess. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has been optimistic on holding a vote before the House breaks at the end of the week, but key details of the bill, including the coverage of illegal aliens, remain topics for debate. Although the bill contains a section that excludes illegal aliens from coverage, there are no provisions within the bill requiring beneficiaries to show their citizenship status.

NumbersUSA takes no stance on the bill itself, but does oppose the extension of health care benefits to illegal aliens.

"The proposed health care scheme could force the American people to pay for
the health care of illegal immigrants," said House Judiciary ranking member
Lamar Smith (R-Texas) in a Congress Daily update.

Pelosi said on CNN's "State of the Union" over the weekend that the bill excludes illegal aliens, but opponents plan to offer amendments during mark-up of the bill that explicitly excludes illegal aliens. An amendment offered by Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) was defeated during mark-ups in the House Ways and Means Committee.

For more on this issue, read Roy's blog, and visit your Action Buffet for a list of faxes to send to your Members of Congress.