December 13, 2007 – President Bush for the second time denied millions of children health insurance by vetoing legislation expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
The bill would have expanded the program by $35 billion over the next 5 years, providing more than 10 million low-income children with health insurance.
The Democratic-led Senate passed the legislation by a veto proof margin, but the House fell just short of the two-thirds majority needed. The House will vote on January 23 whether to override the veto.
“The health of our children is of the highest priority to the Democrats in the Congress of the United States,” said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. “Let it be clear that Democrats will not rest until 10 million children in America have access to health care, and that it is paid for. Let it be clear that we will persist with this effort.”
