Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007--Veto Message from the President of the United States

CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 28, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. AL GREEN
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today the House took up a second vote to override the President's veto of bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

* This bill, H.R. 3963, would maintain coverage for the 6.6 million children currently enrolled and expand coverage to 3.8 million children who are currently eligible but unenrolled.

* In the face of a weakening economy, with unemployment rates on the rise, it is becoming more and more difficult for parents to find affordable health insurance for their children. We know that when fewer Americans are employed, the number of uninsured in our nation will grow.

* The vast majority of the American people believe in the value and necessity of the SCHIP program in providing access to health care for low-income children. This bipartisan SCHIP bill is supported by: 81 percent of the American people; 64 Senators (including 17 Republicans); 43 Governors (including 16 Republicans); and more than 270 organizations, including AARP, AMA, Catholic Health Association, and Families USA.

* We live in a country where nearly 1 out of every 110 people is a millionaire. Unfortunately, this is the same country where more than 1 out of every 10 children lacks health insurance coverage. In these difficult and uncertain economic times, access to affordable health care for low-income children is more critical than ever.

* The children who are enrolled in Texas SCHIP and CHIP programs around the country are from hard-working families. They deserve the opportunity to have access to affordable, accessible, and consistent health care. Healthy children become healthy, productive adults.

* Children cannot work and children do not choose to be poor. Children do not choose where they live or the circumstances they are born into. But, as Members of Congress elected to serve all people young and old, we do have a choice. We can choose to improve access to health care for our children and make an investment in the future of our country.

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