Pelosi: Congress Will Complete CHIP Legislation This Week to Secure Health Care Coverage for 10 Million Children

September 25, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House Democratic leaders were joined by advocates and families at a news conference this morning in the Capitol to urge President Bush to sign the Children’s Health Insurance Program legislation that the House and Senate are expected to approve this week. Below are Pelosi’s opening remarks:

“Good morning. Today, we are joined by a very courageous young girl and her proud mother. We are joined by Gemma and Bonnie Frost of Maryland.

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“Three years ago, Gemma, and her brother Graeme, with their mom, were involved in a horrible automobile accident. They suffered traumatic brain injuries. They suffered injuries that children should never have to suffer. Fortunately, for the Frost family and for these children, they received the very best care that the American health system has to offer.

“The health care that they received was made possible by CHIP, the 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 that they needed.

“This week, Congress will complete CHIP legislation that will secure SCHIP coverage for Gemma and Graeme and more than 10 million children in our country. They are a living example of the importance of CHIP, and we are very proud to have Gemma and her proud mother, Bonnie, with us today.

“We think the President has 10 million reasons to sign the CHIP bill: the 10 million children who will benefit.

“I want to acknowledge, as I’ve said before, every organization that cares about children in our country, from AARP to YMCA, and every group in between. They have written letters in support of the reauthorization of CHIP. Every organization that cares about children has spoken out, and in July, 43 governors, a bipartisan, a distinguished list of governors from across the country, urged the reauthorization of CHIP.

“Today, we are going to take up this matter on the floor of the House, under the able leadership of our distinguished Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer.”

Source: Speaker Nancy Pelosi