U.S. House passes CHIP funding bill

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on March 26 to continue funding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but it will be at least another two weeks before the Senate votes on the bill.

CHIP, which covers essential health and dental needs for U.S. children, is currently set to expire on September 30. If passed by the Senate and signed by President Barack Obama, the bill, HR 2, will extend CHIP coverage for another two years.

"Today, because of what we're doing here, we will save money 20, 30, and 40 years down the road," House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said in a floor speech. "Not only that, we are strengthening Medicare's ability to fight fraud, waste, and abuse. And we are extending the Children's Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers as well."

The bill, which also addresses Medicare reform, was championed by both parties, and the House overwhelmingly passed it with a 392-37 vote.

The Senate is in recess from March 28 through April 12 and likely put the bill to a vote when it resumes.