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REMARKS OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY JOINS FAITH LEADERS IN SUPPORT OF THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (As Prepared for Delivery)


Psalms teach us that true leaders should “defend the afflicted among the people and save thechildren of the needy.” (Psalm 72:4)What says more about our character as a nation than how we care for the children of thiscountry?What says more about our morality than the way we ensure that each and every child canmake the most of their God-given talents?And what says more about our priorities than a Congress that puts resources towards aprogram for kids that saves lives and gives a healthy start to our children?Today, there are still 9 million children without health insurance. That’s not just wrong, it’soutrageous – it is immoral.All children deserve a healthy start in life, and all parents deserve the peace of mind that theycan take their child to the doctor if they’re sickWhen children get the care they need, they do better academically, emotionally, physicallyand socially—this is an investment in their futuresQuality heath care for children isn’t just a nice idea. It’s not something we wish we could do.It’s something we have to do and something we can do.In the Bible, Luke writes that when children gathered around Jesus to receive his care hisdisciples tried to shoo them away.But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do nothinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” [Luke 18]The children of America need our care. They need our compassion. They need us to notshortchange their dreams but instead to give them the chance in life they deserve.###