Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Roger Marshall on Public Charge Clarification Act to Prevent Illegal Aliens from Draining Taxpayer Resources

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Troy Nehls in introducing the bicameral Public Charge Clarification Act to codify the President Trump's first term proposed rule to establish clear, enforceable "public charge" standards that protect American taxpayer funds and ensure any individuals who comes into our nation are self-sufficient and want to live the American dream, not rely on our nation's safety net programs at the expense of the American taxpayer. In 2022, the Biden administration revised President Trump's actions, narrowing the definition of a "public charge," allowing illegal immigrants to use taxpayer-funded benefits-including most Medicaid benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and vital housing assistance-from consideration in granting permanent residency to aliens.

Senator Rick Scott said, "The Biden administration's inconsistent and weak enforcement of our border policies and use of taxpayer dollars have allowed illegal aliens to drain taxpayer resources while crime surged. The Public Charge Clarification Act codifies President Trump's effort to provide clear and fair standards, strengthens accountability to safeguard the opportunity of living the American Dream for those who come ready to work and succeed."

Senator Roger Marshall said, "For too long, hardworking Americans have been left high and dry while Washington props up a broken immigration system that rewards dependence. If we truly want to put America First, immigrants coming to our country should contribute - not rely on taxpayers. The Public Charge Clarification Act of 2025 does exactly that by reversing Biden's disastrous policies and codifying the Department of Homeland Security's commonsense 2018 proposed standard that puts American families first."

Congressman Troy Nehls said, "The Biden Administration not only scrapped President Trump's effective border security policies, which kept the American people safe from illegal aliens coming from all corners of the world, but also altered policies that safeguarded public benefits meant for American citizens, to allow for foreign nationals to drain these vital resources and encouraged dependency on these programs. It's simple-if an alien will be a drain on critical resources that Americans fall back on during hard times, they shouldn't be admissible. I'm proud to introduce legislation that protects American taxpayers, discourages benefit-seeking immigration, and restores the fundamental requirement that those seeking the privilege of living in the United States must be able to support themselves."

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