DeGette Assails Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans for Politicizing Kids Health Care

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WASHINGTON,DC - Energy and Commerce Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) released thefollowing statement as Committee Republicans continue to put the healthcare of millions of children at risk by delaying today's mark-up ofH.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMPAct):

"I remain mystified by the games Republicans are willingto play with the health care of millions of poor children," said ViceChair DeGette. "In over ten years on this Committee, most spent in theminority, I have never heard the clerk forced to read an entire bill.

"Today'santics by the Republicans show their true colors when it comes toproviding health care to kids. It is disgraceful that the Republicanswould politicize children's health for short term political gain,"concluded DeGette.

The Children's Health and Medicare ProtectionAct of 2007 (CHAMP Act) will reauthorize the State Children's HealthInsurance Program (SCHIP). Earlier this week, the Committee on Energyand Commerce unveiled the CHAMP Act that provides health care tomillions of kids, and ensures that our seniors can continue to seetheir own doctors.