DeGette Assails Republicans for Playing Partisan Politics with the Health of Millions of America's Poor Children

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WASHINGTON, DC - As Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans today played political games to stall the mark-up of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act), Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) decried their tactics saying they "put the health care of millions of America's poor children at risk."

"It is inconceivable that Republicans would put parliamentary roadblocks in front of children's health care," said DeGette. "Millions of kids throughout the United States rely on SCHIP to provide them with access to quality, preventative care - and millions more would benefit with the CHAMP Act.

"By blocking this bill, Republicans are picking a fight with America's children. Republicans are quickly becoming the Party that opposes kids' health care. They are simply wrong.

"Democrats have and will continue to make children's health care a top priority in the Democratic Congress," concluded DeGette.

Throughout the two-day mark-up session, Republicans continually used parliamentary procedures to stall and force numerous delays.

The Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (CHAMP Act) will reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Earlier this week, the Committee on Energy and Commerce unveiled the CHAMP Act that provides health care to millions of kids, and ensures that our seniors can continue to see their own doctors.

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