Scott Jennings Challenges Rep. Ritchie Torres on 1.4 Million Undocumented Immigrants Using Medicaid Citing CBO Data; Sen. Cassidy Criticizes Democrats on July 4 Megabill

A debate has emerged regarding Medicaid eligibility for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Republican commentator Scott Jennings challenged Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) over claims that more than 1.4 million undocumented immigrants are receiving Medicaid benefits, citing data acknowledged by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Representative Torres denied these figures, asserting that federal law prohibits undocumented immigrants from accessing Medicaid and dismissing the 1.4 million figure as imaginary. Senator Bill Cassidy also criticized Democrats for allegedly misrepresenting Medicaid provisions in the recent megabill legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. Additional commentary highlighted concerns that a large portion of Medicaid recipients report no income, which some Republicans argue strains the system and delays care for eligible individuals. The dispute underscores ongoing partisan disagreements over healthcare policy and immigration.