Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3963, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

Floor Speech

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3963, CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - October 25, 2007)

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Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of SCHIP and the millions of children from poor families who would be covered by this bill. It is critical that we take action immediately to save this important program. I wholeheartedly supported earlier versions of the SCHIP reauthorization, which would have enhanced and preserved a successful program that has made health insurance a reality for over 6 million children from low-income families.

I was tremendously disappointed that the President did not agree that strengthening SCHIP was a national priority. I could not disagree more with him.

But in response to his opposition, the House leadership has put forth the compromise version of this bill, one that addresses lingering concerns while retaining the core principles of this important program. This bill will protect the existing coverage for children and ensure that the lowest income children who are currently eligible but not enrolled would gain coverage, an additional 4 million children on top of the 6 million who are already covered.

It is the right thing to do. It is the moral and compassionate thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and the accompanying legislation.

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