[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to voice 
concerns about the impact of budget cuts on the States' Children's 
Health Insurance Program, that is called CHIP.
  CHIP is jointly financed by the Federal and State governments and is 
administered by the States.
  While it is good that each State determines the design of its 
program, the eligibility groups, benefits, co-pays and administrative 
procedures, I am concerned that misplaced fiscal priorities are 
squeezing the States and negatively impacting children's health.
  A Dallas Morning News article from March 27 cites numerous problems 
with CHIP in Texas. Administrative errors and budget cuts are resulting 
in lost or delayed coverage.
  Many families are unaware of the benefit. Enrollment has been more 
complicated and fewer children are participating in the program. 
Privatization of many State-Federal health programs is lessening access 
to care.
  Madam Speaker, I am concerned that the fiscal year 2007 budget plan 
for the House of Representatives will hurt America's uninsured 
children.
  April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Cutting health 
programs for young people is cruel at worst and irresponsible at best.

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