Dreier and California Colleagues Call on Speaker Pelosi to Delay SCHIP Vote

October 24, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican and Leader of the California GOP Congressional Delegation, was joined by several of his California colleagues in formally requesting of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) that she delay any consideration of new S-CHIP legislation while members are in their districts dealing with devestating wildfires. In a letter to the Speaker, the California members said that members should not be forced to make a choice between an important vote like S-CHIP and being with their constituents in a time of need. The letter was delivered to Speaker Pelosi's office amid reports that an S-CHIP vote would be held less than 24 hours after new legislation was shared with the minority.

"Speaker Pelosi is a Californian and she of all people should understand how important it is that our colleagues be on the ground in their districts dealing with this evolving disaster," Dreier said. "That's why I'm so disappointed that she has decided to rush through a brand new bill with practically no notice. Extending S-CHIP is a bipartisan priority but this process has been ugly from the start. The decision to hold a vote on a bill no one has even seen yet, in the midst of an unprecedented natural disaster has taken it to a new low. A delay would be wise not just for California members affected by the fires, but for anyone who cares to know what exactly is in this bill. I strongly encourage Speaker Pelosi to reconsider."

Congressman Dreier was joined by Representatives Lewis, Issa, Gary Miller, Hunter, Calvert, Bilbray, Bono, Campbell, McKeon, Gallegly, Rohrabacher and Royce in sending the letter to Speaker Pelosi. The text of the letter is as follows:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi
H232 Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

As members of Congress representing many of the areas that have been devastated by fire in the past week, we want to thank you for your words of support during your floor speech Tuesday. We appreciate you leading our colleagues in putting aside partisan differences and coming together in the wake of these disasters.

We would like to request your further cooperation in helping us deal with these fires, which have destroyed over 1,500 homes and disrupted the lives of nearly all Californians from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border.

It has come to our attention that House leadership is contemplating bringing up the Children’s Health Care Plan for another vote tomorrow. Unfortunately, many of us are in California now trying to help our constituents and would be unable to take part in such a vote. We ask you to please reconsider any such scheduling decision. Members should not have to choose between making an important vote in Washington or being in California helping our constituents to get the aid they need to rebuild their homes and their lives.

There is no question that children’s health care is one of the most important issues facing the Congress at this time, and we would urge you to consider that ALL members should have a chance to cast a vote when one is taken. As a fellow Californian, we know you share our priority of serving our constituents in our home districts. Knowing that, we ask you to put off such important votes until we can return and take part.

Sincerely,