[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2007

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today applaud the action 
of the House of Representatives in standing up for our children. H.R. 
3162--Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 provides 
needed additional funding for the State Children's Health Insurance 
Program (SCHIP) nationally, and in my State, it will allow the 
continuation of the successful PeachCare program currently serving 
270,000 children.
  Early on, I advocated for the full reauthorization of SCHIP, at a 
minimum, so that childhood healthcare is not compromised. This bill 
accomplishes that and even expands the program. However, this 
particular bill also forces cuts to Medicare Part C, a program in which 
over 8,000 seniors in my district are enrolled.
  I have heard from these seniors in person, through the mail, on the 
phone, and over fax about their support for this program and the 
difference it has made in their lives. I wish there were another option 
for House consideration today that would enable this program to 
continue in its current state. While I am supporting this legislation 
today to expand SCHIP, I want to assure the seniors from the 4th 
district that their words have not fallen on deaf ears.
  I believe Congress will have an opportunity to take another look at 
this legislation after conferencing with the Senate, and I hope the 
package presented will take care of those in greatest need at both the 
dawn and dusk of their lives.

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