Robin Carnahan: “Today is a great day. This morning, I woke up with great optimism, knowing that, today, the House will once again take…”

“Today is a great day. This morning, I woke up with great optimism, knowing that, today, the House will once again take up the Children's Health Insurance Program that will cover 11 million children. Providing health insurance to children whose families simply cannot afford it has been a top priority for the people I represent in Missouri. With rising unemployment, covering children is even more important than ever, and the need grows each day. No longer will children be forced to visit an emergency room to receive basic medical care. This is commonsense legislation at its best. Now children will be better prepared for learning and for success in today's world economy. The broad coalition of supporters behind this bill will soon have a friend in the White House. President-elect Barack Obama is committed to making health care readily available to every American, starting with America's children. America's children are on the threshold of a healthier future.”