Shutdown Sparks Fight Over Immigrant Healthcare

A government shutdown occurred after a standoff over whether to expand taxpayer-funded healthcare to undocumented immigrants, with Republican leaders and conservative outlets blaming Democrats for refusing to drop the demand. President Trump, House leaders and senators including Rick Scott accused Democrats of holding national security, military pay and government operations hostage to secure benefits for noncitizens. Democrats deny prioritizing noncitizens and note undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for Obamacare subsidies. Critics say several states, led by California, already provide some coverage and analysts estimate that a federal expansion could cost billions annually while other studies put current taxpayer-subsidized care in the billions. Republicans say the impasse is an opportunity to rein in federal spending and are considering measures such as withholding pay or legislation to prevent future shutdowns.