WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement today upon Senate passage of The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009:

“After two years and repeated vetoes, reauthorization of children’s health insurance will become law. This bill is a bold investment in the health of our nation’s nine million uninsured children.

“Providing health insurance to low-income children isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. It means kids will be able to go to a family doctor when needed, preventing delayed care and emergency room visits that are costly to state Medicaid rolls. It means children will get the health care they need to become healthy, active adults.

“I hope this is the first of many steps we’ll take to overhaul our nation’s health care system. Working together, we can make health care more affordable and accessible for American families and businesses.”

This legislation expands the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to cover an additional 4 million. More than 7 million children currently receive coverage through the program.

The legislation was passed by the House on January 14, 2009. It will soon be sent to President Obama for his signature.

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