Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today following last night’s contentious, partisan Committee markup of Republican legislation to reauthorize both the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers and public health laws:
“The partisan bills Committee Republicans approved late last night have no chance of ever becoming law. I’m concerned that the Republicans’ actions in Committee will make it more difficult to come to a bipartisan agreement and will further delay reauthorization of CHIP, Community Health Centers and other important public health laws. In order to expedite action, I call on Chairman Walden to return to the negotiating table so that we can develop a bill that can garner strong, bipartisan support. CHIP and Community Health Centers have traditionally been approved with both Democratic and Republican support, and that should not be any different this year. Let’s continue the negotiations so we can end the uncertainty for millions of kids and families who rely on CHIP and Community Health Centers for their health care."
