This legislation is not perfect. I would like to be voting on a more expansive package today that would offer health care access to more children and families. I am very disappointed that this legislation does not include language that would allow access to the program for legal immigrants. Unfortunately. it appears that. because of Republican opposition to this policy. legal immigrant children will continue to have to wait five years before they become eligible for CHIP and Medicaid. I will do my best to help change the discriminatory policy in the future. Despite the flaws in this legislation. the CHIP reauthorization bill marks an important step forward in getting coverage to those who need it.
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