[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2614, 
     CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2614. While 
I believe that there are many good provisions in this bill, I must 
object to it because it does not restore Medicaid and the State 
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) benefits to legal immigrant 
women and children. In 1995, Congress imposed a 5-year ban on providing 
Medicaid and CHIP coverage to recently qualified immigrants. In 1996, 
Congress passed an immigration bill that split families; threw out due 
process; and took away discretion. But, worst of all, Congress took 
away compassion.
  So, I'm not here just as a Member of Congress or as the Chairman of 
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force. I'm here as an 
American upset with the laws that discriminate against my fellow human 
beings. Today we stand before you to defend the women and children who 
fled tyranny and poverty only to be denied the health care afforded 
other Americans. We are talking about people that came here legally, 
play by the rules, and pay taxes. I firmly believe that we should 
include a provision that give states the option to provide SCHIP and 
Medicaid benefits to lawfully present immigrant low-income pregnant 
women and children. Children and pregnant women who are denied coverage 
through the SCHIP and Medicaid 5-year ban usually can't get other vital 
health care coverage. As a matter of decency, as a matter of economics, 
as a matter of public health, legal immigrant children and pregnant 
women deserve the same access to essential health care coverage offered 
to citizens. For pregnant women and their children, regular prenatal 
care and early intervention saves lives and dollars.
  Children who have routine office visits and immunizations grow to be 
healthy adults with less medical complications. Children monitored by 
pediatricians are less likely to be victimized by chronic and 
communicable diseases. Preventive care minimizes emergency room visits, 
a costly and inefficient way of providing health care. Remember, 
diseases do not ask to see a passport. The 5-year ban on providing 
Medicaid and CHIP coverage has been the greatest barrier to health care 
for legal immigrants. It's time to make the system fair for everyone.

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