All three Nebraska Republican House members on Wednesday opposed a bill expanding government health care coverage for children.

“This bill may expand the program to those who do not need it,” Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said.

The legislation “risks creating a program that encourages some families to drop their existing insurance coverage for the government program,” he said.

Rep. Lee Terry said the bill “expands coverage for higher-income families” and places a greater tax burden on lower-income people.

Rep. Adrian Smith said the measure “shifts the focus from poor children without health insurance to adults and families who already have personal coverage,” thereby expanding the reach of government.

Fortenberry said Nebraska allows families with incomes at 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or roughly $38,000 for a family of four, to enroll in the state children’s health insurance program.