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Boyda Votes to Support Health Care for 47,000 Kansas Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) released the following statement on this evening's bipartisan vote to renew the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP):

"Tens of thousands of Kansas kids lack health insurance. Through no fault of their own, they face dramatically increased risks of illness, poor performance in school, and life-long medical conditions.

"For the last decade, the federal government has fought uninsurance through the State Children's Health Insurance Program. SCHIP has not only proven successful at covering uninsured children, but it's cost-effective to taxpayers. Health insurance prevents low-income families from using the emergency room – the most expensive health care resource – as a first-stop clinic.

"In light of its proven record of success, SCHIP has always stood above the political fray. The program was established by a Republican Congress and signed into law by a Democratic president. The chair of the Democratic Governors' Association, Kathleen Sebelius, and the chair of the Republican Governors' Association have both urged SCHIP's renewal. And I've heard from over 800 Kansans asking me to vote for SCHIP, including doctors, nurses, educators, parents, and churches.

"This evening, the U.S. House voted to renew SCHIP by a wide, bipartisan margin of 265-159, with Republican and Democratic votes from the Kansas delegation. Our vote came not a moment too soon. If SCHIP is not renewed by the end of this month, 47,000 Kansas children will lose their health insurance.

"Now, the only thing standing between these kids and health care is President Bush's veto pen. I sincerely hope and pray he will sign this important bill into law."