House Energy Committee Leader Rodgers Issues Statement on CMS Waiver for Undocumented Immigrant Health Insurance Plans

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, Republican leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 12, 2022:

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House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced approval of a waiver submitted by Washington state that would allow federal taxpayer dollars to subsidize health insurance for undocumented immigrants:

"At a time when President Biden's inflation crisis is already increasing the financial burdens on health care providers and families in Eastern Washington and across the nation, health care premiums and costs are rising substantially. Rather than using federal funds to mitigate some of these costs for health care providers and Washingtonians, Governor Inslee would rather spend it on undocumented immigrants," said Leader Rodgers.

"For example, I would recommend the Governor cover medical expenses for the staggering increase in innocent babies experiencing withdrawal from drug exposure which he is refusing. This waiver is a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars, and Administrator Brooks-LaSure should have rejected it. Energy and Commerce Republicans will continue to fight against dangerous policies that prioritize those who are breaking the law over law abiding citizens."

Leader Rodgers offered her support to legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) earlier this year that would bar use of federal funds to health care for undocumented immigrants.

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Original text here: https://republicans-energycommerce.house.gov/news/press-release/leader-rodgers-statement-on-cms-waiver-for-undocumented-immigrant-health-insurance-plans/