U.S. Representative Larry Kissell on Wednesday took a major step in his fight to see that children in North Carolina and across America have access to the healthcare they need by supporting the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

"I believe we have a moral obligation to provide quality healthcare for our nation’s children." Kissell said.

"I campaigned in favor of the expansion of SCHIP and I will continue to work to see that every American child has access to basic healthcare."

Kissell raised questions about the funding for the bill, an immediate 61-cent tax increase on cigarettes. He attempted to submit an amendment that would have phased in the tax increase over four years. The House Rules Committee prevented Kissell from submitting the amendment, but he took to the House floor and addressed the matter directly to his colleagues.

"I was elected to be a spokesman for working families," Kissell said.

"The funding that has been chosen to finance this bill, with full implementation immediately, will cost jobs. I worked in an industry where government action in textiles cost thousands of jobs. Lets look for a way to soften this blow to our people."

Kissell’s amendment would have phased in the 61-cent tax increase over four years, with 16 cents being applied in the first year and 15 cents being applied in each of the following three years.

"I am now and always have been a 100-percent supporter of the expansion of SCHIP," Kissell said.

"But I am not pleased with the funding mechanism. It would have been more fair to phase the tax increase in over a number of years. I encourage Senators Hagan and Burr to bring up my amendment in the Senate."

The bipartisan bill, H.R. 2, reauthorizes SCHIP for four and a half years, preserving the healthcare of seven million low-income children across the country and 240,000 children in North Carolina. The bill will also extend coverage to four million uninsured children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP or Medicaid.

Wednesday’s version of the SCHIP reauthorization passed with overwhelming support 289-139. It was similar to the legislation that twice passed the 110th Congress, but was vetoed by President Bush both times. The bill’s next stop is the Senate floor, where it is expected to pass with support equal to that of the House.

SCHIP was created in 1997 to provide healthcare coverage for children in families that earn too little to afford health insurance for their children themselves but too much to qualify for Medicaid.

It has been endorsed by dozens of organizations, representing millions of Americans — ranging from business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Business Roundtable to the American Hospital Association to such groups as AARP and Families USA.