[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1992-E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in strong 
support of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) 
reauthorization bill. This is a landmark piece of bipartisan 
legislation that will progress further than any other program to cover 
uninsured children.
  Currently, I am ashamed to say that there are 10 million children 
without health insurance. But, this bill would provide continued health 
insurance to six million children already covered and add an additional 
four million children who currently lack health insurance nationwide. 
It will improve health benefits for children by providing dental 
coverage, mental health services and surgical benefits. The bill will 
also improve access by providing states with incentives to lower the 
rate of uninsured low income children and distributing grants for new 
outreach activities to states, local governments and schools.
  Unfortunately President Bush has threatened to veto this bipartisan 
bill and deny 10 million low-income kids the health care they need and 
deserve. The President has instead expressed support for his own CHIP 
proposal--which would result in 840,000 low-income kids losing their 
health care coverage, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
  The President has no idea what it might be like to go without health 
insurance. I saw a quote from him in July when he said ``I mean, people 
have access to health care in America. After all, just go to an 
emergency room . . .''
  An emergency room, Mr. President? That is the best kind of health 
care you want to provide to our children? Shame, shame, shame.
  Mr. President, this bill is going to get the children out the 
emergency room and make sure they don't delay health care needs until 
the last minute, give them regular checkups

[[Page E1993]]

and preventative care. That is what health care is really about.
  Poor children cannot contribute to campaigns, but their right to 
medical care is no less than that of the children of members of 
Congress. This bill is the right thing to do and it pays for itself. I 
urge all my colleagues to have some compassionate conservatism and 
support this bill.

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