Jon L. Christensen: “I'm proud to be here, Mr. Speaker, to stand in strong support of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of…”

“I'm proud to be here, Mr. Speaker, to stand in strong support of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007. Today, we're fulfilling a commitment we made on the first day of this Congress to take care of America's children. By passing H.R. 3162, we will take the first step to insuring the 6 million low-income, now uninsured children in this country, including many who are racial and ethnic minorities; and we'll be investing in a healthier future for them and our country by ensuring they get comprehensive care. This bill helps children and seniors. And we are beginning to help bring provider payments in line with the rising cost of providing medical care as well as to start the reform this country needs. This legislation is not only good for our children, our seniors, and our disabled, it is good for our country. If we only extended CHIP, as our Republican colleagues suggested, it would cause 800,000 children to lose coverage. We can't do that. Support this bill. Reject the motion to recommit.”