Freedom Index 2009

H.R. 2: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

• 02-04-2009 House Vote 50 (To agree with Senate amendment)

Socialized Medicine. H.R. 2, a bill to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), would increase funding through FY2013 by $32.8 billion and loosen eligibility requirements. Expansion of the program would be funded mainly through an increase in federal tobacco taxes, including a 62 cent per pack increase in the cigarette tax. A five-year waiting period was lifted for the enrollment of legal immigrants in SCHIP or Medicaid. The bill was criticized for not including stricter rules and identification checks to keep illegal immigrants out of the program. The plan allows an estimated 4.1 million more children to be covered.

President Obama said, in his signing ceremony on Feb. 4, 2009, "The way I see it, providing coverage to 11 million children through CHIP is a down payment on my commitment to cover every single American." The measure clearly advances socialized medicine in America. However, the Constitution does not authorize federal involvement in healthcare, even for children. Therefore, this federal program, like many others, should not be expanded but frozen and ultimately phased out. The bill as amended by the Senate, was agreed to 290-135 on Feb. 4, 2009 (Roll Call 50), thus clearing it for the president.

The John Birch Society opposed this bill.

The final result: Passed

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