House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer ignited a firestorm this week after confirming that approximately 75% of Somali immigrants are receiving full welfare benefits, according to data reviewed by the committee.
Speaking during an oversight discussion on immigration and federal spending, Comer pushed back on Democrat arguments that mass immigration is necessary to fill labor shortages.
“The argument is always ‘we need workers,’” Comer said. “But when you look at the numbers, this community — which has become a major flank of the Democrat Party — is overwhelmingly dependent on government assistance.”
Comer argued that the figures raise serious concerns about taxpayer burden, program sustainability, and accountability, particularly as Americans continue to struggle with inflation, housing costs, and rising taxes.
As oversight investigations continue, Republicans say they plan to demand greater transparency, tighter eligibility enforcement, and reforms aimed at ensuring welfare programs serve as a safety net — not a permanent dependency.
The debate is expected to intensify as Congress reviews immigration policy and federal spending heading into the next legislative session.
