Kathy Castor: “Madam Speaker, in our great country today, the wealthiest country in the world, parents still struggle to ensure that…”

“Madam Speaker, in our great country today, the wealthiest country in the world, parents still struggle to ensure that their children lead healthy lives. Is there anything more important, after the birth of your child, than visits to the pediatrician and the care of devoted nurses? And as your baby grows, is there anything more fundamental than regular checkups and physicals? Many dedicated doctors and nurses are on call at all hours when, God forbid, something goes wrong or your child is sick. Fortunately, in America today, many hardworking families have regular and affordable health care through the State Children's Health Insurance Program, what we called SCHIP; and today the Congress will vote to extend and improve children's health insurance for another 5 years.”