Maxine Waters Confronted Over Healthcare Debate Amid Government Shutdown Threat
On Tuesday, reporters pressed Democrat Maxine Waters regarding the party’s position on potentially prioritizing healthcare for undocumented immigrants amid looming government shutdown concerns.
The government is set to close at 12:01 AM Wednesday unless Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats can agree on a temporary spending bill that would keep operations running until November 21st.
In the exchange, a reporter questioned Waters, asking, “Are you okay with shutting down the government if it means securing healthcare for non-citizens?”
Waters reacted strongly, stating, “What you’re trying to do is manipulate perspective, suggesting that Americans are put second. Stop that. This isn’t the kind of journalism we require.”
She continued to challenge the reporter, saying, “You’re trying to create a conflict here. That won’t work with me. We aim to save healthcare for everyone.”
Waters emphasized that Democrats were seeking significant reforms.
Another question followed, asking, “Do Democrats really prioritize foreign healthcare over preventing a government shutdown?” Waters responded firmly, “Please stop that line of questioning. We’re not prioritizing; we simply want to keep the government operational and collaborate with Republicans for a bipartisan agreement.”
Defending the party’s healthcare stance, she framed it as a moral necessity. “Democrats advocate for healthcare for everyone. We want to preserve lives and believe healthcare should be accessible through governmental support,” she said, even when pressed on whether this included illegal immigrants.
Furthermore, Democrats have linked their support for the funding bill to maintaining extended Obamacare subsidies, arguing that Republicans are attempting to diminish healthcare access for average Americans. President Trump had a meeting with Congressional leaders but left without any consensus, as Republicans remained focused on a clean fundraising extension while Democrats pushed for healthcare concessions.
Trump also canceled a subsequent meeting with top Democrats, labeling their demands as “disgusting and ridiculous.” The House narrowly passed the GOP’s temporary funding measures, while Senate Republicans are now calling for Democratic backing to overcome a 60-vote requirement, intensifying the standoff.
