Democrats forced the current government shutdown because they want health benefits for illegal migrants, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Thursday. “They have made a decision that they would rather give taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal aliens than to keep the doors open for the American people to keep vital services, veterans’ services, healthcare, and nutrition for women, infants, and children,” Johnson said. “The one big, big, beautiful bill, the Working Families Tax Cut, included a huge provision. “Now, why are we saying that they want to return and restore taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal aliens? He estimated Democrats’ approach would lead to “nearly $200 billion” in spending on illegal immigrants and other noncitizens.