Nine Republican members of Congress from California on Wednesday urged the Obama Administration to halt expansion of Obamacare coverage for undocumented immigrants.

The nine, including Reps. Darrell Issa and Duncan Hunter from San Diego County, released a letter to top administration officials seeking denial of California’s application for a waiver to allow undocumented immigrants to purchase insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

The letter comes in response to legislation signed into law by the Gov. Jerry Brown earlier this month that would allow an estimated 390,000 immigrants to purchase healthcare insurance through Covered California, the state’s insurance exchange.

“This is about ensuring President Obama and his administration live up to the promises they’ve made to the American people. When this disaster of a law passed, the American people were told under no uncertain terms that coverage under Obamacare would not be extended to illegal immigrants,” said Issa, who led the effort.

“Yet, here we are 6 years later and the state of California is already trying to wipe away this promise,” Issa added. “It’s time the Administration keep its word and honor the rule of law.”

Proponents of the California law say it will reduce emergency care costs. In 2012, the state spent more than $600 million on emergency room and other health-related services for people living in the state illegally. (Source: Times of San Diego)

Story Date: July 3, 2016