Political analysts Shermichael Singleton and Bakari Sellers clashed on CNN over the root cause of the government shutdown that began on Wednesday.

Singleton, a GOP strategist, claimed during an interview on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" that the shutdown was caused by Democrats seeking to provide free health care to immigrants, a claim that has been repeated widely throughout Republican circles. Sellers, a former South Carolina Democratic state lawmaker, said Singleton's argument is misleading.

"Not one dollar that we are talking about is going to illegal immigrants," Sellers said. "When we talk about the Medicaid cuts to federally subsidized health care centers, yes, when someone who doesn't have legal status goes to the emergency room, they get care."

Sellers pointed out that there is a difference between federal and state governments reimbursing hospitals for uncompensated care, like when someone without insurance or legal status needs help, and governments providing "free health care" to immigrants, as Republicans have claimed.

"Is that not coverage, then?" Singleton asked.

"No, it's called humanity!" Sellers shot back.