Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz released the following statement today concerning President Bush's comments in which he expressed his strong opposition to expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070710-6.html)

"Time and again, President Bush demonstrates just how out of touch he really is. I’d like the President to explain to the more than 6 million children, including over 200,000 Pennsylvania children, who are covered with health insurance, thanks to SCHIP, just exactly why he 'strongly objects' to insuring more children.

“I’d also like the President to explain his reasoning behind his comment, ‘[P]eople have access to health care in America. After all, you just go to an emergency room.’ Does the President really not know that increased visits to the nation’s emergency rooms are one of the primary reasons why healthcare costs in this country have skyrocketed?

“President Bush’s comments suggesting that health insurance for children is not important, are not only wrong, but incredibly offensive to families working hard every day to meet their responsibilities. By demonizing a bipartisan effort that has successfully gotten health coverage to millions of families, the President makes clear his misplaced priorities.

“In 1992, I was proud to spearhead one of the first state initiatives to enable working families to purchase private health insurance for their children. Since that time, I've talked with literally hundreds of grateful parents. They are grateful to purchase private health insurance at a fair and reasonable cost. They are grateful that their children can receive routine check ups and proper medical care. And they are grateful, that Congress is committed to expanding SCHIP so more American children can benefit.

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