Support America's Future by Passing SCHIP Legislation

Floor Speech

SUPPORT AMERICA'S FUTURE BY PASSING SCHIP LEGISLATION -- (House of Representatives - January 14, 2009)

Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in support of SCHIP legislation. At a time when million of Americans are losing their jobs and companies are doing everything possible to cut costs, more and more families face the horrible prospect of going without health insurance.

During these uncertain economic times, this Congress should invest in those most vulnerable and hardest hit. For the past 11 years, the Children's Health Insurance Program has done exactly that by reducing the number of uninsured children by providing them access to private health insurance. Without this coverage, many of these children would go without critical health care attention that allows them to live productive and prosperous lives.

Over the last 2 years, this Congress has worked to expand the program by 4 million children. Twice we passed bipartisan legislation that was vetoed by President Bush. But now we have another opportunity to ensure those 11 million children. President-elect Obama has promised to sign this legislation.

Today, this Congress should once again do what's right and help support America's children and our future.

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