Garrett Didn't Even Read the SCHIP Bill

In his latest attempt to bolster his opposition to the State Children's Health Insurance Program, Representative Scott Garrett let voters in on a secret: he doesn't even read the bills he's voting against. Here's the crux of his argument:

Let’s not forget that SCHIP was created to help children whose parents don’t have the means to help them alone. A comprehensive SCHIP reauthorization now should focus on that mission and not divert our attention and resources to illegal immigrants, able-bodied adults, or families that are making annually $70,000 or more.

Let's take a quick look at Garrett's logic vs. what's in the Bill.

"A comprehensive SCHIP reauthorization now should focus on that mission"

`(a) Outreach and Enrollment Grants; National Campaign-

`(1) IN GENERAL- From the amounts appropriated under subsection (g),
subject to paragraph

(2), the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities during the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts that are designed to increase the enrollment and participation of eligible children under this title and title XIX.

`(2) TEN PERCENT SET ASIDE FOR NATIONAL ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN- An amount equal to 10 percent of such amounts shall be used by the Secretary for expenditures during such period to carry out a national enrollment campaign in accordance with subsection (h).

Yep, got that covered.

"not divert our attention and resources to illegal immigrants"

SEC. 605. NO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS.

Nothing in this Act allows Federal payment for individuals who are not legal residents.

It doesn't get more straight forward than that. Moving on...

"able-bodied adults", from Section 112:

`(A) the Secretary shall not on or after the date of the enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, approve or renew a waiver, experimental, pilot, or demonstration project that would allow funds made available under this title to be used to provide child health assistance or other health benefits coverage to a nonpregnant childless adult

I sense a pattern here.

Finally, "families that are making annually." As has been cited by myself and countless others, New Jersey already covers families to this level. Garrett is literally advocating eliminating health insurance to 11,000 New Jersey children.

Garrett's entire argument against this Bill is based on lies which he either has created himself or has been told and believes. I'm not sure which is worse.

He also seems to feel that Moveon.org is leading the pressure, when Republicans such as Senator Gerald Cardinale, Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance and Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk all signed a letter urging Garrett to override the veto (h/t Juan Melli). That represents the State leaders representing roughly 75-80% of our District's population that Garrett is ignoring.

What kind of Representative ignores the duly elected representatives of 75-80%, and bases his opposition to key legislation on lies?

Our Representative Scott Garrett does.