Bush Threatens Veto of Children's Health Insurance Bill

Public outrage is rapidly growing as the Bush administration continues to voice their opposition to increasing funds for the decade-old State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is set to expire this year.

Despite broad public support and bi-partisan Congressional support, the President continues to hold a veto threat over a bill that would increase funding for the program.

The $5 billion a year program currently provides 6.6 million children with health insurance. The Senate recently approved a bill that would provide an additional $35 billion over the next five years and extend coverage to 3.2 million more children.

The House passed a bill that includes the full $50 billion allowed under the 2008 budget resolution, which would go even further in addressing the fact that nine million children in the U.S. don’t have health insurance.

“The Children’s Health Insurance Program gets health coverage to low-income, uninsured children who would otherwise go without the doctor visits and medicines they need,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said in a statement. “It’s time for the full Senate and the entire Congress to stand together for kids, and to renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program in a way that makes a difference for kids in need.”