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[Congressional Record: October 28, 2000 (Extensions)]
[Page E2004]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr28oc00-119]
WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2614,
CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2000
______
speech of
HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 26, 2000
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2614. While
I believe that there are many good provisions in this bill, I must
object to it because it does not restore Medicaid and the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) benefits to legal immigrant
women and children. In 1995, Congress imposed a 5-year ban on providing
Medicaid and CHIP coverage to recently qualified immigrants. In 1996,
Congress passed an immigration bill that split families; threw out due
process; and took away discretion. But, worst of all, Congress took
away compassion.
So, I'm not here just as a Member of Congress or as the Chairman of
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force. I'm here as an
American upset with the laws that discriminate against my fellow human
beings. Today we stand before you to defend the women and children who
fled tyranny and poverty only to be denied the health care afforded
other Americans. We are talking about people that came here legally,
play by the rules, and pay taxes. I firmly believe that we should
include a provision that give states the option to provide SCHIP and
Medicaid benefits to lawfully present immigrant low-income pregnant
women and children. Children and pregnant women who are denied coverage
through the SCHIP and Medicaid 5-year ban usually can't get other vital
health care coverage. As a matter of decency, as a matter of economics,
as a matter of public health, legal immigrant children and pregnant
women deserve the same access to essential health care coverage offered
to citizens. For pregnant women and their children, regular prenatal
care and early intervention saves lives and dollars.
Children who have routine office visits and immunizations grow to be
healthy adults with less medical complications. Children monitored by
pediatricians are less likely to be victimized by chronic and
communicable diseases. Preventive care minimizes emergency room visits,
a costly and inefficient way of providing health care. Remember,
diseases do not ask to see a passport. The 5-year ban on providing
Medicaid and CHIP coverage has been the greatest barrier to health care
for legal immigrants. It's time to make the system fair for everyone.
____________________
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