|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
[SCHIP] Veto Threat Angers Republicans
|
Parent(s) |
Issue
|
Contributor | ArmyDem |
Last Edited | ArmyDem Sep 21, 2007 11:48am |
Logged |
0
|
Category | News |
Media | Newspaper - Washington Post |
News Date | Friday, September 21, 2007 05:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
Description | Some on Hill Disagree With Bush on Health Insurance for Kids
By Christopher Lee and Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 21, 2007; Page A04
Republicans reacted angrily yesterday to President Bush's promise to veto a bill that would renew and expand the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program, raising the likelihood of significant GOP defections when the package comes to a vote next week.
"I'm disappointed by the president's comments," said Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), who urged Bush, in an early-morning telephone conversation yesterday, to support the emerging bipartisan compromise. "Drawing lines in the sand at this stage isn't constructive. . . . I wish he would engage Congress in a bill that he could sign instead of threatening a veto."
With the program about to expire on Sept. 30, Bush said in a news conference that he will reject the $35 billion funding expansion being cobbled together by House and Senate negotiators. He said the bill would inappropriately extend coverage to children in families with incomes of as much as $83,000 a year, prompting many parents to drop private insurance. He urged Congress to pass, instead, a temporary extension of the program until a more lasting compromise can be worked out.
"Members of Congress are putting health coverage for poor children at risk so they can score political points in Washington," Bush said. He added later that "health coverage for these children should not be held hostage while political ads are being made and new polls are being taken."
But members of both parties countered that it is the president who is putting children's health in jeopardy. |
Share |
|
2¢
|
|
Article | Read Full Article |
|
Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|