Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I am delighted to rise today in support of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. I thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Pallone for their hard work on bringing it to us today.

As a mother and proud grandmother of four, I can think of no higher priority than ensuring that our children get the health care they need. Unfortunately, 7 million children nationally and 350,000 children in Illinois are at risk of losing their coverage if we don't reauthorize this program.

But this bill will not only prevent SCHIP from expiring on March 31, it will also expand coverage to 4 million uninsured children nationally and 300,000 children in Illinois. It makes many needed improvements, including dental coverage and providing mental health parity. I am particularly pleased that it gives States the discretion to cover more women and children by lifting the 5-year ban for legal immigrants.

I am also pleased that after many thwarted efforts, we finally have a President that will sign this bill into law. It represents a renewed commitment to health care. This is the first step in making sure that every child, woman, and man in the United States has health care that is affordable, accessible, and high quality.

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