WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to pass a government spending bill which pushes back the deadline to fund the government to January 19, 2018. In addition to funding the government, the bill extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through March.

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) releases the following statement:

“I voted for today’s legislation because I believe this Congress has a responsibility to keep the government open and we must do everything in our power to renew funding for CHIP and protect the children who depend on this program,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “But this bill sets up a false choice, offering a short-term extension of CHIP at the expense of other healthcare programs. Just yesterday, this same body passed a tax cut for special interests and the wealthy without paying for it. For just a tenth of what the tax bill costs, Congress could fund CHIP for the next five years. The American people deserve better, and with the time that this bill buys for CHIP, I will continue pushing Congress for a full reauthorization without gutting other vital programs. I will not rest until I know that Alabama’s children have full and affordable access to the healthcare they need.”

“As hospitals in my district and across rural America face funding shortages, I am deeply disappointed that this Congress would choose to leave for the holidays with its work left unfinished. Today’s bill failed to extend funding for rural hospitals through DSH payments and it left the expiration of healthcare programs, like those supporting rural ambulance services, unaddressed. It is time for Republicans to work across the aisle and with the American public to bring our healthcare providers the support they need.”

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.