Floor Speech
Thank you, madam speaker. We had been working to re-authorize the children's health insurance program. We passed legislation that enjoyed bipartisan support in both the house and senate as well as the support of the American people. Unfortunately, it did not enjoy the support of the president, who vetoed the bill not once but twice and went on to proclaim that uninsured children can go to the emergency room to have their medical needs met, but this is a new day in Washington. Soon we will have a new president who has committed himself to reforming our nation's health care system so every American can access affordable and quality health care. The bill we are considering makes a down payment on that promise by putting the health and well-being of our children first. It will make improvements to chip and states will be able to enroll children, better benefits. As a result, 11 million children will have access to the quality health coverage they need and deserve. After two years of trying to get this bill enacted --
THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE: the gentleman's time has expired.
Pallone (D-NJ): I yield myself 15 seconds.
THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE: the gentleman is recognized for 15 seconds.
Pallone (D-NJ): We are now nearing the finish line and with not a moment to spare. Unemployment rates continue to rise; millions of Americans are joining the ranks of the uninsured, many of whom are children. We can't delay. We must enact this legislation now and I reserve the balance of my time.
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