WASHINGTON, DC – Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) today blasted the Bush Administration for adopting new standards that would make it much more difficult for states to extend health coverage to children in middle-income families under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

“The Bush Administration’s new policy continues to jeopardize the health care of millions of American children,” said DeGette.  “This risky and irresponsible proposal by the Administration will not only close the door on states providing health coverage to children, but will result in kids being kicked off the current health care coverage rolls.  A highly restrictive state-federal government partnership on children’s health does not achieve our goal of providing health care to those children eligible yet not currently enrolled in the program.

“Congress is moving in a new direction by making kid’s health care a priority. Bracing for a fight with Congress, the Bush Administration has responded by picking a fight with America’s kids.”