Silence translates into inclusion

From: Michele Bachmann, Congresswoman, District 6

Far too often the Washington way to include controversial provisions in legislation is simply to not exclude them.

Covering illegal immigrants in the House’s leading health care bill, H.R. 3200, is a prime example. In fact, its proponents are not shy to admit their strategy.

A Roll Call article from July reported, “Leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ‘reiterate that illegal immigrants should be covered under health care reform legislation’ that comes out of the House. Asked if CHC leaders will ask Pelosi to specifically spell something out in the bill to address illegal immigrants, (one) member said no. Rather, the member said the CHC simply wants to make sure the bill – as drafted – doesn’t prohibit illegal immigrants from accessing care. ‘Sometimes if you don’t say something, something happens,’ said the Hispanic lawmaker.”

A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirms that they got their wish. On Aug. 26, 2009, CRS stated that, “H.R. 3200 does not contain any restrictions on noncitizens participating in and paying for coverage available through the (Health Insurance) Exchange.”

The relationship between illegal immigrants and our nation’s health care system is one that cannot be overlooked. The expense of illegal immigrants’ health care in California, for instance, has become so unbearable that many municipalities had to eliminate this benefit to save tens of millions of dollars. And Texas estimates that illegal immigrants cost hospitals there $1.3 billion in 2006 alone.

The issue can’t be side-stepped. Any fair reading of the bill says that illegal immigrants can be covered. It may not be politically palatable, but it’s clear that a bill that is silent on eligibility means a bill that includes illegal immigrants.

Bachmann represents District 6, which includes a huge chunk of area that is northwest of the Twin Cities. At its southern end, it includes Wright County.