(Washington, DC) - U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) spoke today on the House Floor regarding the revised State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation, which is scheduled for a vote later this afternoon.  The following are Congressman Altmire's remarks as prepared for delivery:

"I want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for expressing their concerns about the SCHIP bill recently passed in the House of Representatives.  I am happy to say that we have heard those concerns and have addressed them in the revised SCHIP bill that we are voting on today." 

"First, our Republican colleagues were concerned, as am I, about coverage for illegal immigrants, and this bill expressly prohibits such coverage.  Second, they were concerned about the coverage of adults, including adults who are currently covered in the SCHIP program.  This bill will eliminate coverage for those adults and all childless adults.  Finally, the Republicans were concerned about eligible income levels and wanted to ensure the program was focused on low income children.  The bill today caps the eligible income level for families to enroll in the SCHIP program at 300 percent of the poverty level."

"There should be no reason for any of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to vote against this bill.  Let's vote to ensure 10 million children receive the health care they deserve."