[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE IMPORTANCE OF REAUTHORIZING THE STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge the 
timely reauthorization of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection 
Act.
  Unless the President signs the bipartisan, bicameral conference 
report that will be sent to him before the end of this fiscal year, the 
State Children's Health Insurance Program will fail to be funded in a 
timely manner.
  As a result, several states will experience immediate budget 
shortages and may be unable to cover the health care expenses of 
thousands of uninsured children.
  Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the Nation. 
Twenty-five percent of Texas kids have no health insurance.
  The Federal Government and executive branch are in a position to help 
by refunding SCHIP so that states can enroll uninsured children into 
the program. These are children of the working poor.
  Madam Speaker, I represent an urban area, and many of my constituents 
live in poverty. They face tough decisions regarding shift work, child- 
and dependent care options, transportation challenges, and even how to 
afford healthy meals for their families. Many are the working poor.
  My constituents depend on SCHIP funds for a continuity of health care 
for their children to which they would not otherwise have access. I am 
gravely concerned about how they will be affected, should federal funds 
suddenly dry up.
  For some, it could be a matter of life or death. For my constituents, 
I urge Congress and the President to work together to protect this 
valuable program. The Congressional Black Caucus is dedicated to this 
issue, and I thank the Chair for bringing attention to the health of 
our Nation's children.

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