Rep. Brat Supports Passage of CHIP Reauthorization

Statement

Today Rep. Dave Brat voted in support of H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act which passed the House of Representatives 242-174.

The legislation provides for five years of federal appropriations for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through fiscal year 2022. It also contains $1 billion for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program, extends funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) for two years, and extends several public health programs by two years. The bill includes pay-for provisions such as limiting Medicaid benefits for lottery winners and requiring those making over $500,000 to pay for their Medicare premiums.

Rep. Brat released the following statement:

"I have valued the opportunity to hear from many Virginians who have reached out to my office to communicate their support for the CHIP program and how it serves our 7th District constituents. I am pleased that Republican leaders brought this bill to the floor for a vote despite politically motivated delay tactics by Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee who objected to how this program is paid for. With a $20 trillion national debt, we should make every effort to identify ways to pay for the legislation Congress passes, and this bill, while not perfect, gets the job done. It was disappointing to see only 15 Democrat members of Congress support a bill to reauthorize vital health care for children, this should be a bipartisan issue. I hope the Senate will act swiftly to pass this legislation and not play politics with our kids."

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