WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding her vote against H.R. 3922, the CHAMPION ACT. Congresswoman Fudge denounces the bill as harmful to the health and well-being of millions of America’s children, families, seniors, and the unemployed:

“Millions of America’s children and families were put at risk when CHIP and Community Health Center programs were allowed to expire 34 days ago. That is 34 days of uncertainty for nearly nine million children and health care providers across the country. 

“Unfortunately, the CHAMPION Act is another veiled attempt to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The bill cuts $6.35 billion from the ACA’s Prevention Fund, putting vaccines, chronic care, and emergency preparedness at risk. It also shortens the grace period for paying ACA Marketplace premiums from 90 days to 30 days, hurting the most vulnerable who may be struggling to make a payment. We should support Americans experiencing hardship, not kick them while their down.

“Congressional Republicans chose to use our nation’s children and most vulnerable communities as bargaining chips, rather than work with Democrats to increase access to health care for all Americans.

“I could not in good conscience vote for such a heartless bill when more than 223,000 Ohio children receive coverage under CHIP, and Community Health Centers in the 11th Congressional District provide affordable health care services to 85,786 Ohioans. Americans deserve better.”

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