Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today in response to House Republicans bringing a Continuing Resolution to the floor that funds the federal government through January 19 and that further delays a bipartisan extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers and other public health programs:
“After a year focused on sabotaging the Affordable Care Act and passing a tax scam that benefits large corporations and the wealthiest few, Congressional Republicans are ducking out of town without a bipartisan extension of CHIP and Community Health Centers funding.
“The Republican’s Continuing Resolution kicks the can down the road, further risking the health care of nearly 9 million children. Congressional Republicans are also using this bill to continue their sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, extending Community Health Center funding through March and paying for it solely through ACA Prevention Funds.
“Washington Republicans have no shame - they just passed a giant tax bill that adds $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit, but they are now demanding that a temporary extension of Community Health Centers and other public health programs be paid for by stripping $750 million away from the ACA Prevention Fund. This fund pays for immunizations and vaccines, lead poisoning prevention, opioid treatment, diabetes, heart disease, stroke prevention and many other important programs.
“All year long Democrats stood ready to help pass a bipartisan, bicameral bill that extended CHIP and community health centers. If House Republicans were serious about providing health care to nearly 9 million children, they would not be leaving town without a long-term extension that would give peace of mind to millions of American families."
