Washington, DC - Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), who has for months called upon the Democrat majority to pass an SCHIP bill that provides health insurance for low income children, says he is “satisfied with the current version of the bill.”

“This current version of the SCHIP bill simply provides health insurance for low income children,” said Akin. “There are no problematic additions to this current bill. As such, it is a continuation of the original program created in 1997.”

“I am also pleased that the current bill eliminates the Medicare physician payment reductions for the next 6 months,” said Akin. “I and several other Members of Congress wrote a letter of concern to Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner requesting that they preserve Medicare access to physician care by the end of the year.

The original two versions of the SCHIP bill were criticized by many conservatives as they extended the health care coverage to families making as much as $62,000 per year. President Bush vetoed both bills.

“Another concern I had with the first two versions of the SCHIP bill was the removal of a requirement that those who receive benefits prove they are American citizens,” said Akin. “This current version does require a proof of American citizenship to receive benefits.”

“Under Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, the majority has been playing a game of brinkmanship with legislation all year,” said Akin. “It is heartening to see Congress breakthrough that type of unproductive partisanship and pass legislation.”