WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the health care of millions hanging in the balance, Congress today passed an extension of the Children’s Health Care Insurance Program (SCHIP), S. 2499, the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act, on a vote of 411 to 3. Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) supported the measure.

“The State Children’s Health Care Insurance Program has been tremendously beneficial for millions of low-income families over the past ten years. While I am happy we passed an extension preserving health care coverage for the six million low-income children currently in the program, I am extremely disappointed that House and Senate Republicans callously blocked our efforts by voting lock-step with President Bush and caving to his demands for a health care program would leave millions of low-income children without health care.  

“Furthermore, six million children were denied health care coverage because President Bush stubbornly refused to negotiate with Congress merely to score political points. The bipartisan compromise bill passed by Congress earlier this year would have provided coverage for an additional four million kids who are eligible for the program, but not enrolled. I remain committed to working toward covering all low-income kids in America who are eligible for this wildly successful and effective program; it is the best way to ensure the poorest children in our nation are healthy and happy.”