Speech #1100088945

I fully support reauthorizing the SCHIP program and preserving this important program intended to provide health insurance to lowincome children. Having said that. I cannot support a bill that robs Americas seniors of their Medicare benefits in order to give taxpayerfinanced health care to illegal immigrants. The bill before us eliminates requirements that applicants show proof of citizenship. potentially allowing millions of illegal immigrants access to Medicaid and SCHIP. Furthermore. there is no requirement to ensure that eligible children from lowincome families are enrolled before expanding coverage to children from middleclass or wealthier families. No limits on income eligibility are included. allowing a virtually openended expansion of the program to children that already have private health insurance.