WASHINGTON, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following statement after President Trump signed into law a Continuing Resolution (CR) that also includes a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“Today is a win for the millions of kids and their families that rely on CHIP and its vital services. After a completely unnecessary and avoidable shutdown, families across the country can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will continue having access to affordable, quality health insurance," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). “We are glad that Senate Democrats finally came to their senses and put politics aside to take care of kids and pregnant women.”

Background:

Last week, the House of Representatives passed a CR by a vote of 230-197. The Senate could not advance this measure, and brought a new CR to the Senate Floor earlier today for consideration. That measure passed by a vote of 81-18. The House quickly followed suit, also passing the updated CR today, by a vote of 266-150.

Funding for CHIP and other public health priorities expired on September 30, 2017. The House of Representatives previously passed H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, extending funding for CHIP, Community Health Centers and other important public health programs, on November 3, 2017, by a bipartisan vote.

H.R. 3922 was fully offset through responsible reforms like reducing federal subsidies for seniors earning more than $500,000 each year (or $40,000 each month) by limiting government contributions for their Part B and D premiums, and disenrolling lottery jackpot winners from Medicaid to prioritize the most vulnerable.

The House acted twice in recent months (December 7, 2017 and December 21, 2017) to provide short-term funding for states to continue their CHIP programs, giving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) greater flexibility over the use of redistribution funds.

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