[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strong support for the State Children's Health Insurance Program 
Reauthorization Act to provide health care coverage for an additional 
3.8 million children.
  The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plays an important 
role in providing quality, cost-effective health care coverage for 
millions of lower-income children around the country. It costs less 
than $3.50 a day to provide health care for a child through CHIP. This 
small investment keeps kids and families healthy and saves money in the 
long-run. However, without action from Congress, the law authorizing 
funding for this important program will expire at the end of September. 
For this reason, it is essential for Congress and the President to put 
politics aside to renew this critical, bi-partisan program.
  This legislation reauthorizes CHIP and includes an additional $35 
billion for children's health care. This funding is to enroll children 
throughout our nation who are eligible, but not currently enrolled in 
CHIP or Medicaid, and to improve the benefits available by adding a 
guaranteed dental benefit for all children enrolled in CHIP and parity 
for mental health coverage.
  Investing in our children's health care must be a priority for 
Congress. All Americans--Republicans, Democrats, and Independents--
should be able to agree that our children deserve access to quality 
health care. It is morally right, it is the right thing for our economy 
and in the richest country in the world--it is possible. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in voting for this important bill.

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