[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I strongly support 
H.R. 2, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 
2009. I want to thank Representative Pallone for introducing the bill, 
and Chairmen Rangel, Miller, and Waxman for moving it quickly to the 
floor.
  Investing in children's health care is an investment in our future, 
which will help strengthen our next generation and save health care 
costs in the long run. With this legislation, we are saying that the 
phrase ``children are our most precious resource,'' is no longer just a 
cliche. We are putting our money where our mouths are. And we are doing 
it in a fiscally responsible way.
  While we all want to balance budgets and control spending, skimping 
on children's health care simply makes no sense. That's why this small 
increase in the tobacco tax, about 62 cents a pack, is a smart thing to 
do. It will deter non-smokers from trying smoking, and it will ensure 
that we are not adding to our budget deficit.
  The CHIP Reauthorization Act preserves the coverage for all 7.1 
million children currently covered by CHIP and provides coverage for an 
additional 4.1 million uninsured children who are currently eligible 
for, but not enrolled in, CHIP and Medicaid.
  Far too often, constituents contact me seeking help with their 
medical expenses because they have no health insurance. And the lack of 
health insurance is not for lack of trying. Sadly, even millions who 
have jobs in this troubled economy lack health insurance. This bill 
will help those families who should never have had to decide between 
putting food on the table and taking a sick child to the doctor.
  While this bill will not ensure coverage for every single child in 
the nation, it is a great first start. This bill gives states the 
option of covering legal immigrant children during their first five 
years in the United States. Without this provision, parents of children 
with conditions from diabetes to scleroderma to scoliosis would have to 
continue to wait up to five years from the time they discovered the 
condition until they can afford treatment for their child.
  Now, states like California can choose to prevent such heartbreaking 
situations. And I hope they do.
  I am committed to working toward quality, affordable, and universal 
coverage for all in America. While that might seem an unattainable goal 
to some, the CHIP Reauthorization Act gives me hope that we are on our 
way.
  As an expectant mother who is fortunate enough to have good 
healthcare coverage, I owe it to my constituents and to all in America 
to provide them with the same ability to care for themselves and their 
families. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support 
this important bill.

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