News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 25, 2007

Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Regarding the House Vote on H.R. 3963, Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

This Administration continues to support swift reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). But it is important that we do this in the right way.

SCHIP was created on a bipartisan basis to meet a critical need – ensuring that children in low-income families that cannot afford private insurance, yet do not qualify for Medicaid, can access health care. The program should stay true to its original purpose.

This Administration stands ready to work with Congress on SCHIP legislation we can all support. I firmly believe that an agreement is within our reach that truly reflects the principle that this program should serve low-income children. Let’s work together to renew SCHIP, and then move on to a larger discussion of how we make sure every American has access to affordable health insurance.

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Last revised: January 12, 2009