Late yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a 15-month extension of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program that will allow states to maintain coverage at current levels. The extension is contained in a larger health bill now being sent to the President.

The bare-bones children’s health measure approved yesterday is a disappointing outcome, given the vast public support across the political spectrum for earlier legislation that would have allowed coverage for more of Oregon’s 100,000 uninsured children.

Nearly all members of Oregon’s congressional delegation have acknowledged the health care crisis among Oregon’s working families by strongly supporting coverage for children. The sole exception is Representative Greg Walden, who stood with the President in killing earlier bills that aimed to protect more of the nation’s most vulnerable population.

We hope that in future congressional efforts Representative Walden will act in step with the vast majority of Americans who support increased funding for children’s coverage.

The Oregon Center for Public Policy is a non-partisan research institute that does in-depth research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues. The Center’s goal is to improve decision making and generate more opportunities for all Oregonians.