Wed Feb 04, 2009 at 05:35:56 PM EST
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Since Congressman Frank Pallone is the Sponsor (or Author) of the Children's Health Insurance Program legislation that Barack Obama is signing into law today, I think he deserves some frontpage space:
On this historic day, I am reminded of a quote from the Pulitzer Prize winning American author, Pearl Buck. She said, 'If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.'
"While I am hopeful this day will be one of celebration, it comes nearly two years after Deamonte Driver, a young boy from suburban Maryland, lost his life because his family lost its health insurance.
"This simply should not happen in America. And if Congress does not act today, I cannot help but think of the millions of other children whose lives will be put at risk simply because they do not have access to health coverage.
"There can be no greater cause or worthier goal than protecting the well-being of our nation?s children. I emphasize this point now, at a time when parents are forced to make tough financial decisions---do they keep their families' health insurance or do they put food on the table at night. During this economic recession, these kinds of decisions are unfortunately becoming more common. Over the past year alone, 4.1 million people have lost their employer-based health care coverage, including 1.2 million children.
This will be a great improvement in the lives of many children thanks to the Democrats, and yes, some Republicans, who supported the program. |
| Hopeful :: President Obama signs Frank Pallone's Children's Health Insurance Law |
And his statement at the signing:
Today, President Obama delivered real change to Washington by signing legislation into law that will ensure 11 million American children have access to quality health insurance through the Children's Health Insurance Program.
"For two years, Congress sent similar bills to President Bush's desk. The bills received strong bipartisan support in Congress, but President Bush used his veto pen twice, denying millions of low-income children access to health care.
"Thanks to this landmark law, four million more American children will have the opportunity to see the doctor of their choice so that they can live healthy and productive lives. In New Jersey, we will be able to reach an additional 116,000 children through FamilyCare, reducing the percentage of uninsured children by 43 percent.
"I commend the president for his unwavering support of our nation's children, and look forward to working with him on other health care issues in the months and years ahead. |
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