    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Page H843]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                PROTECT MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS

      The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
    California (Mr. Kiley) for 5 minutes.
      Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I am calling on Congress today
    to protect Medicaid benefits for American citizens.
      There are a number of States that are using taxpayer dollars to
    provide Medicaid to those who are in our country illegally. These are
    public funds that could have been spent providing care for their own
    citizens.
      Worst of all is my own State of California, which became the first
    State in the Nation, the only State in the Nation, to provide free
    Medi-Cal to every single person in our State illegally.
      It was recently revealed that this is costing California taxpayers
    $9.5 billion this year alone. Right now, we are talking about costs
    over a 10-year time horizon, so let's consider what that cost will be
    here.
      The cost is surely going to grow in terms of the year-over-year cost
    given, A, the rising cost of healthcare; and, B, increased enrollment.
    When you are the only State that is offering this most generous
    benefit, it entices people to come to your State. Indeed, that is why
    it went up 46 percent this year.
      That is why, last year, the San Diego border sector had the most
    illegal border crossings of any border sector in the country for the
    first time since the 1990s.
      When that $9.5 billion cost is factored in this year and the rate at
    which it is going to grow year over year for the next decade, we are
    talking about hundreds of billions of dollars that is going to go
    toward providing Medicaid benefits to people who are in our country
    illegally. These are funds that could have gone toward improving access
    to care for the most vulnerable Californians.
      Mr. Speaker, I think this is absolutely unacceptable. For all of the
    Members who have been giving impassioned speeches about the importance
    of protecting Medicaid, joining our efforts to stop this and joining my
    bill, the No Medicaid for Illegal Immigrants Act, is an opportunity to
    do just that.

             In Recognition of Kathryn Mandichak on Her Retirement

      Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize retiring
    Mono County Board of Education member, Kathryn Mandichak, for her years
    of devoted service to the people of Mono County.
      Kathryn has been a leader in the local community for over four
    decades, serving trustee area 1 as a board member for 11 terms.
      Kathy was born in Huntington Park, California, later moving to Mono
    County with her husband and three children from Whittier.
      In 1982, Kathy began her service on the Mono County Board of
    Education to fulfill her mission of providing what she described as a
    ``good solid education'' to the students of her community.
      During her tenure as a board member, Kathy continuously advocated for
    the support and services of the Mono County Office of Education and
    Mono County Public Libraries.
      With the education board also serving as the county's library
    authority board, Kathy worked tirelessly to support various local
    libraries, including her beloved Coleville Library.
      In addition to her work on the Mono County Board of Education, Kathy
    also serves as a commissioner of the Antelope Valley Fire District. As
    commissioner, Kathy has personified the district's core values of
    professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency. She worked to provide fire-
    prevention services and safety education to the people of Mono County.
      Kathy is known by others for her quick wit, thoughtful guidance, and
    for her significant contributions to the Mono County Board of
    Education. Her leadership and continued devotion to service have been
    the hallmark of her career.
      It is because of people like Kathryn Mandichak that Mono County is
    such a great place to live, to learn, to work, and to recreate. Her
    dedicated efforts contributed to the overall academic success of
    students of the region, as well as the safety and security of the
    people of Mono County.
      Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives,
    it is an honor and a privilege to acknowledge Kathryn Mandichak for her
    career in public service. I join the people of Mono County in wishing
    Kathy the very best in her retirement.

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