Speeches
Pelosi: Tonight’s Strong Bipartisan Vote for Children’s Health Insurance a Victory for America’s Children
09/25/2007
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House
floor tonight to support the Children Health Insurance Program bill, which
passed by a bipartisan vote of 265 to 159.
Below are her remarks as prepared:
“Tonight is a bipartisan victory for
“10 million. That is
how many reasons there are to support this bipartisan CHIP legislation. 10 million American children will receive
CHIP health coverage under this bill thanks to the efforts of our outstanding
chairmen, John Dingell, Charlie Rangel and Frank Pallone.
“I also want to thank Congressman Ray LaHood for his
courageous support for this legislation.
The CHIP bill is another addition to Congressman LaHood’s record of
bipartisan compromise.
“Our House colleagues worked in true bipartisan fashion with
members of the Senate: Finance Chairman Max Baucus, and Senators Charles
Grassley, Jay Rockefeller and Orrin Hatch.
They proved that even when some attempt to interject partisan politics
into practical issues, serious legislators can still forge bipartisan
compromise.
“Earlier today, I met with a mother and daughter who
understand the critical role CHIP health coverage.
“Three years ago, a young girl named Gemma Frost, her older
brother Graeme, and their mother, Bonnie, were involved in a horrible
automobile accident that left the two children with traumatic brain injuries.
“Gemma and Graeme’s injuries were more than any child should
have to bear. Thankfully, these children
received the very best of American health care and continue their
recovery. The health care they received
was made possible by CHIP, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“With the help of CHIP coverage, the Frost family had the
security of knowing, even in a time of family tragedy, that Gemma and Graeme
had access to the care they required.
“The legislation before the House will secure coverage for
Gemma and Graeme Frost, and for 10 million other children.
“And this bipartisan bill is fully paid for – no new deficit
spending.
“That is why this legislation has such bipartisan support in
the Congress and among our nation’s governors.
The CHIP bill is supported by a coalition of 270 groups ranging from the
AARP to the YMCA, representing millions of Americans.
“I am disappointed that the President has issued a veto
threat against a bill that has so much bipartisan – indeed non-partisan –
support.
“The President is wrong when he says Democrats want a
political victory. What we want is a
bipartisan bill that provides health care to 10 million of
“I urge a strong, bipartisan vote in support of health care
for