Bob Filner: “I represent a district that borders Mexico. In fact, I have the entire California-Mexico border in my district of South…”

“I represent a district that borders Mexico. In fact, I have the entire California-Mexico border in my district of South San Diego. I want today to address a problem that affects all border districts, that is, emergency healthcare for undocumented immigrants. In my district, hospitals, ambulance services and other health care providers are suffering huge losses every year due to the uncompensated care given to undocumented immigrants. When Congress passed the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, it required hospitals and other health care providers to give emergency care to anyone who comes through the emergency room doors, regardless of their ability to pay or their immigration status. I think this is a proper policy, and it is the only humane thing to do. We cannot leave people who need emergency care just out in the cold. However, since it is the Federal Government that instituted this law, then the Federal Government should cover the expenses of the medical care. What we have now is what is called an unfunded mandate.”