[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 20545-20546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             THE CHAMP ACT

  (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)

[[Page 20546]]


  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we introduced the CHAMP Act, an 
essential package that addresses the health care needs of our children 
and seniors while also meeting the needs of our doctors. I am 
particularly proud of our efforts to ensure that 11 million children 
receive the health care coverage they need to lead healthier lives.
  Today, we are at a crossroads on children's health. Studies show that 
if we ensure that children receive preventative health care in their 
formative years, they will lead healthier lives. But over the last 
year, the number of uninsured children has increased for the first time 
in a decade. That is why it is so important to strengthen SCHIP.
  This is not an expansion of the program. Today we are reaching 6 
million children. Under the CHAMP Act, we will reach an additional 5 
million children who are already eligible.
  Over the past 10 years, SCHIP has received strong bipartisan support 
because it serves as a lifeline to those most vulnerable among us, our 
children. It has always received strong bipartisan support. At a time 
when the number of uninsured is increasing, I would hope Republicans 
would join us in passing this legislation.

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