---

WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following statement as Committee Republicans continue to put the health care of millions of children at risk by delaying today's mark-up of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act):

"I remain mystified by the games Republicans are willing to play with the health care of millions of poor children," said Vice Chair DeGette. "In over ten years on this Committee, most spent in the minority, I have never heard the clerk forced to read an entire bill.

"Today's antics by the Republicans show their true colors when it comes to providing health care to kids. It is disgraceful that the Republicans would politicize children's health for short term political gain," concluded DeGette.

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.