SCHIP bill does need to be revised

This letter is in response to Jay Cohen's letter of Oct. 17 accusing Congressman Peter Roskam of misrepresenting the SCHIP legislation. Mr. Cohen says Peter Roskam is lying by saying that this bill will enable illegal immigrants to obtain health-care benefits intended for low-income children.

I really wish he would have done his research more thoroughly, but since he asked for help, here is what he would find if he truly looked for answers instead of fodder for partisan attacks.

SEC. 301 states that instead of being required to produce a passport or driver's license to enroll for SCHIP benefits, an individual must simply provide a name and Social Security number.

That's right; you're officially a U.S. citizen if you can fill in a random nine-digit number on this form. Congratulations, here's a check of taxpayer money.

Thankfully, Congressman Roskam doesn't jump to conclusions without first doing sound research. He knows, like I do, that this socialized health-care bill puts politics before our children. I support his efforts to extend SCHIP responsibly.

Rebecca Wellman

Itasca