[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 9 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
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. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, 
Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. This 
bill will ensure that health coverage continues for the 7 million 
children currently covered under the Children's Health Insurance 
Program, and will extend coverage to an additional 4 million children 
who are currently uninsured. Without the legislation, the CHIP would 
end on March 31, 2009.
  CHIP provides health care coverage for children in families that earn 
too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private 
insurance. In 2007, more than 240,000 children in North Carolina 
received health coverage through North Carolina's CHIP, NC Health 
Choice for Children. Under the legislation, North Carolina's allotment 
would increase by 81 percent over the current level from $136 million 
to $245 million. North Carolina has 296,000 uninsured children, the 
sixth-largest number in the country. Two-thirds of uninsured children 
in North Carolina live in a home where at least one parent works full 
time.
  As North Carolina's former Superintendent of Public Instruction, I 
have seen first hand that healthy children are better prepared for 
learning and success. The Children's Health Insurance Program ensures 
that America's children are as healthy and productive as possible and 
that they can grow up to fulfill their potential. Untreated illnesses 
can have long-term consequences, and access to health care can head off 
expensive treatments down the road. As a Nation, we must protect our 
most vulnerable citizens.
  I still regret that the bill will be funded by a tobacco-tax 
increase. The tax in H.R. 2 falls disproportionately on North Carolina, 
and on the Second District in particular. I understand the burden this 
will place on farmers who work hard to build a better life for their 
own children, and I will continue to work to support these families as 
they adjust to transformations in the global economy. However, with one 
out of eight children in North Carolina lacking health insurance I will 
vote for this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the 
children of America's working families.

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