Democrats Prioritize Illegal Aliens Over Government Funding, Sparking Shutdown Crisis

By Deroy Murdock

The Republican-led U.S. House passed a “clean” continuing resolution on Sept. 19, with 217-212 votes, aiming to keep the federal government open through Nov. 21. This measure would have sustained essential services, from Social Security to the Secret Service, for nearly two months. Republicans supported the bill, with 99.1% of present members voting in favor, while Democrats overwhelmingly opposed it, casting 210-1 votes against.

Senate Republicans also backed the resolution, with 43 of 44 senators (97.7%) voting to keep federal operations running. Only Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., abstained. Conversely, Democrats rejected the measure, with only 1 of 48 senators (2.1%) supporting it. The final outcome saw Democrats block the resolution, leading to a government shutdown.

The bill’s defeat came as Democrats refused to accept bipartisan efforts to prevent the crisis, despite having the power to maintain funding for federal programs. Instead, they prioritized provisions that would expand healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, including Medicare, Medicaid, and ObamaCare subsidies. These measures, totaling $192.8 billion in taxpayer-funded care over a decade, were criticized as a reckless diversion of resources.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the move, highlighting Democrats’ refusal to protect American citizens’ access to public services. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries faced scrutiny for their alignment with far-left policies, including socialist agendas that critics argue undermine fiscal responsibility.

The shutdown has intensified political tensions, with Republicans accusing Democrats of endangering federal operations to advance an agenda centered on illegal immigration. As the debate continues, the consequences for public services and national stability remain a focal point of controversy.