Washington, DC - “Young Americans are our most precious natural asset, and I’m proud that today the House has once again extended access to quality healthcare to 11 million at-risk children,” said Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, a strong advocate of H.R. 2, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (SCHIP). 

This critical legislation passed the House today by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 289 – 139. 

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will significantly reduce the number of uninsured children, many of whom are African American, Latino or other racial or ethnic minorities.  “In Missouri, SCHIP currently covers 81,000 children from low and moderate income working families,” said Mr. Clay.  “This reauthorization will extend that coverage and expand it to include 45,000 uninsured young Missourians who will now be eligible.  With rising unemployment, this children’s health bill is more critical than ever.  In this recession, more and more American parents are losing employer-sponsored health care for their children and the need for SCHIP is growing every day.”

This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for four years.  It preserves coverage for all 7.1 million children currently covered by SCHIP and it extends health care coverage to 4.1 million additional low-income children, who are uninsured.  The bill is fully paid for by raising the tobacco tax by 61 cents. 

Raising the tobacco tax also promotes children’s health by discouraging children from smoking.  According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a 61-cent increase in the tobacco tax means that 1,873,000 fewer children will take up smoking.

This legislation is a clear indication that change has already come to Washington. This Congress will work night and day with President-elect Obama to make health care more affordable and move America in a bold New Direction.