“The turn of events with reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is disappointing and unfortunate,” Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said after last week’s markup. “Today, the spirit of bipartisanship for the well-being of low-income children is disappearing before our eyes.”
A debate on whether to provide coverage to more immigrant children looms.
The Finance Committee, like the House, voted to repeal a law that requires documented immigrants to wait five years before they can enroll their children in SCHIP. Under the language passed by the House and headed to the Senate floor, states can opt to waive that restriction.
Republicans strongly object, saying opening the program to more immigrants, even those who legally reside in the United States, weakens protections against illegal immigrants receiving benefits.
Reid defended the provisions, saying the Finance Committee struck the appropriate balance between guarding against fraud and allowing otherwise eligible people to sign on to SCHIP.
“We believe this legislation is one that’s enforceable and fair,” Reid said.
Immigration is not the only matter that has drawn objections from GOP lawmakers. During the Finance Committee markup and the House debate, Republicans proposed limitations on covering children from families with incomes higher than three times the federal poverty level and argued against financing the SCHIP expansion by hiking the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 61 cents.
TheHill.com - Reid eyeing amendments to SCHIP bill
Am I the only one who detests Harry Reid, aka the whining, sniveling weasel?
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Thank God for an expanded democratic majority.
