^(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), a practicing physician, released the following statement today after the Senate accepted his amendment that provides additional funding for children’s health care by eliminating a $1 million earmark for a museum dedicated to the 1969 Woodstock concert.

“I’m pleased my colleagues took a bold stand today in defense of common sense and rejected the self-interested parochial politics that have disillusioned millions of Americans. Maybe this is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius for taxpayers,” Dr. Coburn said. ^

Funds redirected from the Woodstock museum will go to the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (MCHBG) program. MCBHG helps states design systems to meet critical health care challenges in maternal and child health, including:

• Significantly reducing infant mortality and incidence of handicapping conditions;
• Providing and ensuring access to comprehensive care for women;
• Promoting the health of children by providing preventive and primary care services;
• Increasing the number of children who receive health assessments, diagnostic and treatment services; and
• Providing family-centered, community-based, coordinated care for children with special health care needs.