Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today regarding the so-called CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922):
“House Republicans are willing to add $1.5 trillion to the national debt in order to fund tax cuts that predominantly benefit the wealthiest 1%. Yet, when it comes to providing healthcare to low-income children and keeping community health centers and hospitals open, Paul Ryan demands we pay for it by taking money from seniors. These priorities are completely out of whack. This bill presents false choices, pitting the needs of poor children against other public health programs. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has also warned that this bill could result in up to 688,000 families losing health insurance altogether.”
“I firmly support reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, community health centers program, assistance for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and protecting our hospitals from devastating funding cuts. However, in the process, we do not have to gut other essential public health programs, throw families off of health insurance, or divert Medicare funds.
“Time is of the essence. I look forward to negotiating a better, bipartisan deal with our Senate colleagues to fund these important programs.”
Issues: 115th Congress, Healthcare