[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H11850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 SCHIP

  (Mr. KAGEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, our Nation's values are reflected in how we 
spend taxpayers' hard-earned money. Yesterday, rather than encouraging 
us to invest in the good health of our children here at home, the 
President asked for permission to spend $200 billion in Iraq. Well, it 
is okay to ask and it is okay to respond by saying, ``No, thank you.'' 
The health of our Nation's children is more valuable than making more 
of a mess in Iraq.
  My friends, enough is enough. It is time to spend our tax dollars 
right here at home. Last week, 44 Republicans joined the Democratic 
majority in attempting to override the President's veto of the State 
Children's Health Insurance Program, known as SCHIP. This issue is not 
going away. We will prevail. It is a matter of how long it will take.
  Here are some facts to keep in mind: SCHIP saves tax dollars by 
sending children in need to the doctor's office, not to the costly 
emergency room. And over 90 percent of those in SCHIP earn less than 
$41,000 a year. There is a better way of doing things in America. By 
working together, we will find it and guarantee access to health care 
for all those in need.

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