Rep. Walden pushes for 'CHIP' extension amid potential government shutdown

MEDFORD, Ore. — Amid a potential government shutdown Friday, Oregon Representative Greg Walden is pushing for the passing of a short term spending bill in order to keep funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, or "CHIP", for short.

Rep. Walden serves as Chairman to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The representative held a press conference Friday discussing the extension of the funding of CHIP, which is included in the short-term spending bill that is being discussed in the Senate. There have been talks of a government shutdown if a decision is not made by midnight Friday.

"Knowing that or at least believing there will be a majority in both houses to keep the government open, we felt adding the to that bill will be a no-brainer, and I still think it is," Walden says. "It's essential we get this done."

Rep. Walden says funding levels for the program is " historic", as CHIP will be extended for six years if the bill passes.

"Those who were upset about how we were going to pay for the Children's Health Insurance program in the past, that issue is gone. Because not only does extending out six years give the biggest extension in the program in its history financially, but also, it actually in the way it works now generates about a billion dollars, " says Walden.

CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children and pregnant women who qualify.

Rep. Walden says there are nearly 5,000 children in Jackson County, 2,000 children in Josephine County, and 1,200 in Klamath County who rely on CHIP.

The senate is currently in discussion on whether they can support the program.

House representatives voted for CHIP in a binary decision Thursday.