[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 9 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong 
support for the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act 
of 2009 which will provide health care coverage for an additional 4.1 
million children. Every child in America should have the right to 
health care, and this bill will bring us one step closer to that goal.
  It is unacceptable that more than 47 million Americans, including 11 
percent of American children, are without health insurance. Many hard-
working families in Minnesota and across the nation have lost their 
jobs, 2.6 million jobs in the last year. For every 1 percent increase 
in the unemployment rate, it is estimated that as many as 1.5 million 
Americans will lose their health care coverage. Expanding SCHIP will 
expand health care access for children at a time when too many American 
families are losing employer-sponsored health care. In these tough 
economic times, by helping families gain access to health care, we can 
give families the resources they need to give their children a better 
future.
  The bill provides access to health care for 4 million children in 
America who are currently uninsured and preserves the coverage for all 
7.1 million children currently covered by SCHIP. It is supported by 80 
percent of the American people and over 300 organizations--including 
large majorities of Democrats, Independents and Republicans. The bill 
will extend coverage to 4.1 million additional low-income, uninsured 
children, covering a total of 11 million, and is likely to be one of 
the first signed into law by President Barack Obama. Last year, 
President Bush vetoed this vital health legislation that was passed by 
both chambers of Congress.
  The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was created in 
1997 to provide health care coverage for children in families that earn 
too little to afford health insurance for their children themselves but 
too much to qualify for Medicaid. This bill will give states the 
resources and incentives necessary to reach and cover millions of 
uninsured children who are currently eligible, but not enrolled. It 
will also improve SCHIP benefits-ensuring dental coverage and mental 
health parity. This bill is largely paid for by increasing the tobacco 
tax by 61 cents, and will help keep kids and families healthy while 
saving taxpayers money in the long-run.
  Expanding SCHIP is an important step forward, but we still must keep 
fight to make healthcare available and affordable for all Americans. As 
we reform our health care system, we need to focus on accessible, 
patient-centered care that focuses on wellness and prevention, while 
improving the quality of patient care. will continue to fight to expand 
SCHIP and make health care available and affordable for Minnesota 
children and their parents.
  As we start the new Congress and the new administration I can think 
of no better way to bring about change than by investing in our 
children's health care. It is morally right, and crucial for the future 
of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this 
important bill.

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