Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, supported the recent reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that will appropriate over $144 Billion for the next six years and provide funding for 9 million children across the United States. In Texas alone, over 1 million children will benefit by seeing their doctors for health care, preventive health, urgent care and hospitalization as well for services and rehabilitation. Approximately 50,000 children will receive this essential aid in Texas’ 28^th district.

While serving in the Texas Legislature, Representative Cuellar championed for affordable health care and created the first CHIP pilot program, which was launched at Farias Elementary School in Laredo. The program proved so successful that it served as the basis for Texas’ statewide CHIP program, which expanded coverage to hundreds of thousands of children across the state.

“I voted in favor of keeping the government open so that we could include essential funding for people and families in my district, who rely on assistance programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program, to obtain necessary primary care and preventative care,” said Congressman Cuellar.

“As a legislator who knows firsthand the struggles of uninsured families, I understand how important it is for Congress to remain open, do its job and appropriate funding for community health clinics, medical centers and children’s health insurance. Since being elected to Congress, I have been working to support America's health care system through legislation and federal grant opportunities. I will continue to work diligently for the people in my district, and reach across the aisle to ensure that continue obtaining funding for health care, for the benefit of the people.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar meets with CHIP recipients. Pictured from left to right: Luis Cerda, Epidemiology Supervisor l; Dr. Waldo Lopez, City of Laredo Health Department Assistant Director; Sister Maria Luisa Vera, Sisters of Mercy; Sister Rosemary Welsh, Sisters of Mercy; Sashsa Lopez, Health Department Employee and CHIP Recipient; HC; Mayor Pete Saenz; Julie Bazan, Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Director; and Dr. Hector Gonzalez, City of Laredo Health Department Director.