Sebelius: Immigrant fears a 'red herring'

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Concerns that illegal immigrants will receive healthcare benefits under U.S. reform proposals are a "red herring," an Obama administration official says.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, speaking Sunday on ABC's "This Week," said U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's assertion that illegal immigrants would receive benefits is "a red herring" and that "there is no disagreement" among lawmakers on the issue.

The topic was thrust into the spotlight Thursday when Wilson, R-S.C., heckled U.S. President Barack Obama during a speech to Congress, yelling "You lie!" when he asserted that such immigrants would not be covered.

"There may be some dispute about should the language have said X or Y, but there is a section in the House bill, as Congressman Wilson well knows, that says that very explicitly," Sebelius said. "I think the Senate may reinforce that, and I know the president is very serious about it."

But Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican presidential contender, said on the same show that the proposals lack proper enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegals from benefiting.