FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 08, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT

Harry Gural (202) 225-5456

Shea-Porter and Pallone Introduce Bill to Prevent Administration from Blocking State Plans for Children’s Health Insurance

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) today introduced legislation that would stop a directive by the Bush administration preventing states from deciding how much to spend on health insurance for children.  Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been a strong defender of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which is known in New Hampshire as the Healthy Kids program.

The Protecting Children’s Health Coverage Act of 2008 would order the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ignore the Presidential directive, which would effectively prevent approximately 2,000 children in New Hampshire from participating in the Healthy Kids program.  Up to 50,000 children could be affected nationwide.

In introducing the legislation, Congresswoman Shea-Porter joins forces with Congressman Frank Pallone, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health within the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  Congressman Pallone has been an outspoken leader on health issues in the House of Representatives.

The Government Accounting Office (GAO) and the Congressional Research Service (CRS) have both issued legal opinions stating that the Bush directive violates the Congressional Review Act.  The CRA requires the executive branch to inform Congress about rules issued by federal agencies so that Congress can review those rules.

"The Bush administration is actively interfering with states and their successful children’s health care programs," Shea-Porter said.  "There are so many American families that can’t afford health insurance in this economy, and it is inexcusable to target these vulnerable children."

"At a time when the number of uninsured children is steadily rising due to the economic recession, Congress must overturn the Bush Administration's mean-spirited and illegal children's health directive," said Congressman Frank Pallone.

Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, promised his support.  “I applaud Reps. Pallone and Shea-Porter for their leadership in working to protect the millions of Americans who rely on SCHIP and Medicaid for health care coverage.  At a time when the number of uninsured Americans is growing, it’s shameful that this Administration has taken steps to block State efforts to provide coverage.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this bill forward as quickly as possible.”