House Passes New and Improved Version of Children's Healthcare Bill
October 25, 2007
Today, the House of Representatives again passed a bipartisan bill to provide health coverage to more than 10 million children. This bill strengthens language that the president claimed to be problematic in the previous version, which he vetoed in September.
“The president alleged that the first bill covered illegal immigrants, which couldn't be further from the truth,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), who voted in favor of the bill. “However, the new bill clearly spells out the process by which states must verify citizenship before enrolling new beneficiaries, ensuring that the SCHIP program only serves U.S. citizens.”
“The president also alleged that the bill covered children in families with incomes of $83,000,” added Thompson. “The new bill specifically prohibits the Administration from issuing waivers that allow children in families with income over 300% of the poverty level to enroll in SCHIP.”
“Today's vote demonstrates that Congress refuses to let politics get in the way of taking care of our children,” said Thompson. “We'll do whatever it takes to get these 10 million kids covered.”
The bill still continues coverage for the 6.6 million children currently enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), including more than 1,600 children in Lake County. It also extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children who qualify for the program, but aren't currently enrolled.
“The first SCHIP bill was born out of bipartisan compromise, and today's bill is a further gesture that we are committed to working across the aisle to create strong, effective policy,” said Thompson. “There is simply no room for playing politics when it comes to the health of our kids. This bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote and is supported by 43 governors and the vast majority of Americans. We cannot and will not give up on the health and the future of our children.”
CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov.
“The president alleged that the first bill covered illegal immigrants, which couldn't be further from the truth,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), who voted in favor of the bill. “However, the new bill clearly spells out the process by which states must verify citizenship before enrolling new beneficiaries, ensuring that the SCHIP program only serves U.S. citizens.”
“The president also alleged that the bill covered children in families with incomes of $83,000,” added Thompson. “The new bill specifically prohibits the Administration from issuing waivers that allow children in families with income over 300% of the poverty level to enroll in SCHIP.”
“Today's vote demonstrates that Congress refuses to let politics get in the way of taking care of our children,” said Thompson. “We'll do whatever it takes to get these 10 million kids covered.”
The bill still continues coverage for the 6.6 million children currently enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), including more than 1,600 children in Lake County. It also extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children who qualify for the program, but aren't currently enrolled.
“The first SCHIP bill was born out of bipartisan compromise, and today's bill is a further gesture that we are committed to working across the aisle to create strong, effective policy,” said Thompson. “There is simply no room for playing politics when it comes to the health of our kids. This bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote and is supported by 43 governors and the vast majority of Americans. We cannot and will not give up on the health and the future of our children.”
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CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov.
Issues:Health Care