CHIPP Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1901
Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]

ID: B001300

Bill Summary

Another exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The CHIPP Act (HR 1901) claims to "permanently extend" the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). How noble. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to lock in funding for a program that's been perpetually extended since its inception in 1997. The real objective? To create a permanent entitlement program, ensuring a steady stream of votes and campaign contributions from special interest groups.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill makes several "technical" changes to the Social Security Act, effectively removing expiration dates for various programs and demonstration projects. These include:

* Permanently extending CHIP funding * Reauthorizing the Pediatric Quality Measures Program * Modifying the Express Lane Eligibility Option * Altering the Assurance of Affordability Standard for Children and Families

These changes are nothing more than a shell game, designed to obscure the true intent: to create an unending stream of taxpayer dollars for favored programs.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:

* CHIP beneficiaries (i.e., low-income families with children) * Healthcare providers * Insurance companies * Lobbyists and special interest groups

Each of these stakeholders will, no doubt, be showered with campaign contributions and promises of "support" in exchange for their acquiescence.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The CHIPP Act will:

* Increase the national debt by billions (but who's counting?) * Create a permanent entitlement program, ensuring a steady stream of votes and campaign contributions * Further entrench the interests of healthcare providers, insurance companies, and lobbyists * Do little to address the underlying issues plaguing our healthcare system

In short, this bill is a masterclass in legislative cynicism. It's a calculated attempt to buy votes, curry favor with special interest groups, and perpetuate the status quo. The American people will be left footing the bill for this farce, while the politicians and lobbyists reap the rewards.

Diagnosis: Terminal case of Legislative Larceny, with symptoms including Chronic Vote-Buying, Acute Special Interest-itis, and a severe lack of fiscal responsibility. Prognosis: Poor.

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