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Senator Lee’s America First Act Would Deliver On Promises Made to Voters

The Foundation for Government Accountability praises legislation to ensure federal tax dollars go to American families first, protecting limited resources for citizens who truly need them.

NAPLES, FL— The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) commends Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) for introducing the America First Act. His bold reforms to tighten eligibility for welfare, housing, education, and disaster relief programs demonstrate a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring taxpayer resources are reserved for U.S. citizens.

The Biden-Harris administration has “paroled” more than two million foreign nationals into the United States, putting significant strain on taxpayer-funded programs. Current policies allow parolees to access welfare benefits under the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), creating a “parolee payday” that diverts billions of taxpayer dollars to those previously classified as illegal aliens under federal law. Senator Lee’s America First Act would stop this issue and restore fairness.

“Senator Lee is standing up for hardworking taxpayers, ensuring their money is spent on programs that benefit American citizens and legal residents,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability. “His bold and commonsense reforms restore accountability, stop policies that reward illegal entry, and ensure fairness for those who follow the rules.”

“President Trump made this election about the border and the cost-of-living crisis hitting American families. And voters delivered a resounding victory to his America First agenda from coast to coast,” Bragdon added. “American taxpayers deserve a government that uses their money wisely and puts their needs first. Senator Lee’s reform would deliver on that promise.”

Key Reforms Champion by Senator Lee:

  • Welfare Programs: Limit food stamps, Medicaid, housing aid, and Head Start to citizens and lawful residents.
  • Health Care Programs: Removes Medicaid/ObamaCare subsidies for non-citizens and prohibits Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) from providing non-emergency services to illegal aliens.
  • Education Aid: Stop illegal aliens from getting college aid and restrict Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funding for sanctuary jurisdictions.
  • Disaster Relief: Reserve FEMA funds and shelter assistance for citizens and legal residents only.
  • Housing Benefits: Restrict housing programs and subsidies to U.S. citizens and lawful residents.
  • Tax Credits: Require Social Security numbers for claiming child tax credits.

“There’s nothing compassionate about bankrupting our country to fund benefits for people who broke the law to get here,” said Bragdon. “Senator Lee’s reforms make it simple—taxpayer funds should go to Americans first, not those who immigrated illegally.”

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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.

At FGA, we don’t just talk about changing policy—we make it happen.

By partnering with FGA through a gift, you can create more policy change that returns America to a country where entrepreneurship thrives, personal responsibility is rewarded, and paychecks replace welfare checks.