[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORT AMERICA'S FUTURE BY PASSING SCHIP LEGISLATION

  (Mr. WALZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in support of SCHIP 
legislation. At a time when million of Americans are losing their jobs 
and companies are doing everything possible to cut costs, more and more 
families face the horrible prospect of going without health insurance.
  During these uncertain economic times, this Congress should invest in 
those most vulnerable and hardest hit. For the past 11 years, the 
Children's Health Insurance Program has done exactly that by reducing 
the number of uninsured children by providing them access to private 
health insurance. Without this coverage, many of these children would 
go without critical health care attention that allows them to live 
productive and prosperous lives.
  Over the last 2 years, this Congress has worked to expand the program 
by 4 million children. Twice we passed bipartisan legislation that was 
vetoed by President Bush. But now we have another opportunity to ensure 
those 11 million children. President-elect Obama has promised to sign 
this legislation.
  Today, this Congress should once again do what's right and help 
support America's children and our future.

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