NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell: New Census Report Shows Increase in Number of Uninsured, Confirms Need for Timely Reauthorization of CHIP

Washington, DC – Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today responded to the release of the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual report on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage. According to the report, the number of uninsured in America increased from 44.8 million in 2005 to 47 million in 2006. The number of uninsured children increased from 8 million to 8.7 million.

“The findings released today reinforce why health care initiatives such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are critical. I hope this sobering Census data will convince the Administration to reverse recently-imposed policies that will cause thousands more children to lose coverage.

“This fall, the President has a historic opportunity to reduce the growing number of uninsured Americans by supporting the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act/H.R. 3162), which passed the House in July. This legislation reauthorizes CHIP and would provide dependable, affordable health insurance to 5 million children who otherwise would not be covered. Unfortunately, the President has pledged to veto this important bill.

It’s my hope that the Administration will take today’s report seriously, put partisanship aside and work with the Congress to protect the health of our children.”