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(Washington, DC) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today reiterated his strong support for legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for $35 billion over five years. The legislation would strengthen SCHIP financing and increase health coverage for low-income, uninsured children whose parents do not qualify for Medicaid and can’t afford private insurance. Holt voted to override President Bush’s veto of the SCHIP reauthorization legislation, but enough Republicans voted to sustain the veto to prevent the extension of the program.
“I am disappointed that Republicans in Congress failed to reject the President’s indefensible decision to oppose a program that has proven successful at insuring our most vulnerable children,” Holt said. “Without this SCHIP reauthorization, New Jersey’s FamilyCare program would be unable to cover 129,000 children who currently receive coverage and the additional 100,000 children who would newly be eligible to receive coverage. It’s unacceptable to force states like New Jersey to deny this health care.”
With states across the country preparing to cut hundreds of thousands of children off from the Children’s Health Insurance Program because of funding shortfalls and the President’s veto, Holt called on Republicans and President Bush to ensure that the popular program is extended.
Holt added, “This legislation has support from members of both parties, leaders in state government, and a strong majority of the American people. SCHIP is crucial for hundreds of thousands of families in New Jersey and across the country, and they shouldn’t have to wait for the health care they need and deserve.”
The legislation would ensure that the 6.6 million children who presently participate in SCHIP continue to receive health coverage. Additionally, it would provide health coverage to nearly 4 million low-income children who are currently uninsured, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would also strengthen the quality of health care for low-income children by improving SCHIP benefits.
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