[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H8402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAMP ACT SHOULD RECEIVE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN
HOUSE
(Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday House Democrats introduced
legislation that will provide additional low-income children with
health insurance coverage they need and deserve. The Children's Health
and Medicare Protection, or CHAMP, Act would reauthorize an extremely
effective State Children's Health Insurance Program, known to many as
the SCHIP program, which will expire September 30 if Congress does not
act.
If SCHIP is allowed to expire, millions of our American children
could lose their health insurance. In a letter issued last weekend,
bipartisan Governors at the National Governors Association meeting
called for urgent action to reauthorize SCHIP. They know, as do
Democrats in Congress, that this program is vital for ensuring children
in low-income families to have better access to health care. That is
why passing the CHAMP Act is so important.
Mr. Speaker, SCHIP was created almost 10 years ago by this Congress
with bipartisan support and now enjoys the support of many Governors
across the other aisle. I hope Republicans in this body will listen to
their gubernatorial colleagues and join us in passing the new CHAMP
Act.
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