Alabama Members of Congress to Senate Democrats: Pass Funding, CHIP Bill

Representatives Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Martha Roby (R-AL), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), and Gary Palmer (R-AL) issued the following statement in response to House passage of H.R. 195, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, a funding bill to prevent a government shutdown and provide a six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as All Kids in Alabama.

“The House has acted to prevent a government shutdown and provide long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Unfortunately, it seems Senate Democrats are intent on blocking the bill and forcing a government shutdown, all over an unrelated immigration issue. This action would be both irresponsible and reckless. We urge the Senate to stop playing political games, pass this funding bill, and deliver certainty to the over 85,000 Alabama families who depend on the CHIP program to provide for their children’s health care needs.”

If passed by the Senate, the bill would reauthorize CHIP funding for six years and fund the remainder of the federal government through February 16, 2018. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) has indicated that he will vote in favor of the bill.