[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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