Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) issued a statement today on the Senate’s passage of legislation to renew and improve the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the federal initiative that helps fund RIteCare and other children’s health programs across the country.
The bipartisan legislation provides $35 billion over five years to bring health insurance coverage to about ten million children in need, including up to 6,600 in Rhode Island.
“For the Rhode Islanders I’ve met over the last year, at my community dinners and events all over the state, health care is one of their most pressing concerns – and one of government’s biggest opportunities to do the right thing. I’m proud that Congress has acted to put our children’s health first. Jack Reed has been a tireless advocate in the Senate for this critical program, and I’m glad to join him in this fight,” Whitehouse said.
“President Bush has said he will veto this bill – a measure that will bring health care to millions of American children for less than the cost of four months of war in Iraq. That’s the wrong choice for our families and our future. It’s time for the President to listen to Rhode Islanders and the American people. I call on President Bush to sign the children’s health bill.”
Whitehouse has twice spoken on the Senate floor in support of the children’s health program, on March 22 and July 31. The text of his remarks, and video of his July 31 speech, are available at http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov.
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