OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

Date: Sept. 25, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Minors and Children Health Insurance


CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - September 25, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in opposition to this SCHIP proposal. I see this as a bad deal for America, which is not to say that I oppose a reauthorization of this program or its essential elements. And in the continuing resolution this week, we will see to it that this program does not lapse as a virtue of my vote.

But beyond the budget gimmickry, beyond increasing taxpayer liability for illegal immigrants, this compromise is no deal the American people should accept.

It is interesting that a health insurance program for poor kids doesn't require your kids to be poor. Families with incomes of up to $83,000 a year could be entitled to assistance in health insurance in this program. Also, a State program to provide health insurance for children doesn't require families to have children to participate. This program allows childless adults to continue to receive SCHIP through 2012.

Also, it pays for all of this by raising taxes 61 cents per pack and more on cigars. The headline ought to read, ``Smokers in America to pay for middle class welfare.''

Congress should reject this SCHIP program, continue this program, and reject all of the bad elements of this bad deal.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward