WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, a bill that would provide health coverage to American children whose parents do not qualify for Medicaid, but who cannot afford private insurance.

“I was pleased to support this bipartisan bill, which would reauthorize and expand the popular State Children’s Health Insurance Program for an additional four and half years.  Passage of the children’s health insurance program would preserve health care coverage for 7.1 million children currently covered by this program and would extend coverage to 4.1 million children.  In Missouri alone, this measure would allow 81,764 additional children to qualify for coverage.  
 
“During these tough times, it is especially important to ensure that the most vulnerable among us receive the excellent medical care that this great nation is capable of providing.  By continuing our commitment to the children’s health care program, we decrease long term health care costs and provide a critical health care safety net to millions of America’s working poor families,” said Skelton.

          Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 2 by a vote of 290 to 135.  The U.S. Senate approved the legislation on January 29, 2009, by a vote of 66 to 32.  H.R. 2 will now be sent to the President.  He has indicated that he will sign the bill into law.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.