Dear Majority Leader Reid and Madame Speaker:
We are writing to express our disappointment over recent news reports that the Democratic Leadership is flatly opposed to working with Republicans to reach a truly bipartisan agreement to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) this year.
As you are fully aware, House Republicans were not afforded an opportunity to amend the legislation, let alone substantial time to debate its content. Even so, we voted for the largely Senate-drafted legislation as a reasonable extension of an important program to serve low-income children. We did so knowing full well that many Members in our Conference and the President had concerns regarding the size and scope of the bill, and that the White House was certain to veto the legislation. We voted in support of the program, but also to move the process forward, in a timely fashion, toward a resolution that can become law. Instead, we have seen further delay while rhetorical, partisan lines are drawn in the sand.
Nearly all Members of both parties have voted to extend SCHIP until November 16th this year. We should be using this extension to sit down and find a workable, bipartisan compromise. Republicans strongly support renewing SCHIP so it may continue to provide vital health care services to millions of low income children. A program that was created on a bipartisan basis should be reauthorized in a similar fashion. Cooperation is the essence of our legislative process and provides for good government. To flatly reject the concept of compromise with House Republicans and the White House places the entire children’s health program at risk.
We hope that you will reconsider your decision to shut down negotiations on this important program and start working with Republicans and the White House in a demonstration of true leadership that will benefit our children.
Sincere regards,
DEBORAH PRYCE
Member of Congress