WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement today after the House passed modified bipartisan legislation that would provide health insurance to 10 million children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  The compromise bill passed by a vote of 265 to 142.  The bill protects the health insurance of 6 million children currently enrolled in CHIP and extends health insurance to 4 million children who are currently eligible for coverage through the CHIP program but who do not receive coverage due to a lack of funding:

“I am pleased we are moving quickly on this measure to provide health care coverage for 10 million American children.  This issue is too important to fall victim to the petty political games of President Bush and Republican Congressional Leaders.  The Children’s Health Insurance Program is a widely respected success story that helps our children grow up safe, healthy and strong.  I hope the Senate moves quickly to approve this common sense legislation and that the President will reconsider his misguided opposition to this important bill.”

###

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.