Washington, D.C. — Topher Spiro, vice president for Health Policy and senior fellow for Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement on the continuing resolution proposal released by the House majority:
This funding bill does not fund community health centers or nurse home visits for mothers, and it only extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years. There is no reason not to do a 10-year CHIP extension, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates would actually save money. After enacting $1.5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich and corporations, this bill adds another $31 billion in tax cuts for health care corporations.
But most importantly, this bill takes CHIP hostage in order to leave Dreamers out in the cold. After delaying CHIP for several months, the congressional majority is now using CHIP as a bargaining chip, when they could easily pass CHIP separately. No one should pit CHIP against Dreamers in a cynical, partisan political game.
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at 202-478-6327 or [email protected].