[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                     HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN

  (Ms. DeGETTE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a topic that is 
close to all of our hearts, children's health. Like many of my 
colleagues, I am blessed with two healthy children, but 10 million 
parents in this country have little or no access to health care for 
their children. And, worse, more and more of these uninsured children 
are being exposed to environmental hazards that render horrible 
illnesses with no cure.
  As Congress works to improve health coverage for children, I urge 
them to promote policies that promote health care for children, 
especially remediation of environmental hazards. Today, children live 
in an environment that is vastly different from those of past 
generations. While all children are exposed to environmental health 
hazards, children living in poverty are at a disproportionate risk.
  Survey after survey shows that toxic waste dumps, lead paint and high 
pollution are most often located in or near low-income neighborhoods. 
With limited access to health care, children exposed to environmental 
hazards face multiple risks of illness, including asthma and lead 
poisoning.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this Congress to address in a serious way health 
care for children.

                          ____________________