CHAMP. Act that would have given states the option of choosing to waive the five year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP imposed on pregnant women and children who are legally present in the United States. It is unconscionable that Congress will make pregnant women and innocent children pawns in a raucous and frequently misleading immigration debate. I was proud that the House included language that would allow states to make their own decision on this matter and I am saddened that Congress bowed to reactionary antiimmigrant voices on this particular matter and excluded it from this conference agreement. Despite my concern. I support this legislation. as I believe that it is too important to allow to lapse. I hope that House leadership will take note of my and others concerns about the denial of coverage to legally present. otherwise eligible. immigrant children and pregnant women and will work with us to bring this matter to resolution in as swift a manner as possible. I am glad that the Democratic and Republican leadership have been so active in ensuring that we get this bill to the President before the program expires on September 30th. 2007. With passage of this bill. the health of millions of American children will depend on the stroke of the Presidents pen.
Keywords matched
immigrant antiimmigrant immigration