With States About To Run Out Of Money, Congress Plans CHIP Vote For Next Week
Congress missed a September deadline to renew funding for the popular program, but states had enough funds to give themselves a buffer zone. They're quickly running out, though.
The Hill:
House To Vote On Funding For Children's Health Insurance Program Next Week
The House will vote on extending funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program next week, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced Thursday. The long-awaited vote comes after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement following weeks of negotiating ways to pay for the program. (Hellmann, 10/26)
Roll Call:
House GOP Leaders Announce Children’s Health Insurance Vote
Arguments erupted on the House floor Thursday between Republican and Democratic leaders over the prospect of a vote next week on a GOP-only bill to renew funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., announced the bill would be debated next week — a plan opposed by Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md. Democrats have pushed to delay the House bill until an agreement is reached on a bipartisan solution to pay for it. (Raman, 10/26)
Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania —
The Philadelphia Inquirer/Philly.com:
Political Tussle Over Gender Surgery For Trans Kids May Delay Health Care For Low-Income Kids In Pa.
A popular federally-funded children’s health program that has long enjoyed bipartisan support is locked in an unprecedented state political battle over cutting medical services to transgender youth. Pennsylvania Senate Republicans want to restrict funding for trans kids to get gender reassignment surgery, also called affirmation surgery. Democrats and LGBTQ advocates are accusing them of playing doctor and discriminating against particularly vulnerable children. (Giordano, 10/26)
