Posted on 01/23/2008 5:32:35 AM PST by icwhatudo
WASHINGTON (AP) — The struggling economy gives Democratic lawmakers another weapon in their effort to expand a popular children's health insurance program. In the end, however, they appear to have made little headway in overcoming a presidential veto.
In December, President Bush for a second time vetoed a bill that would more than double spending on the State Children's Health Program. Bush said the bill would encourage too many families to replace private insurance with government-subsidized health coverage. On Wednesday, the House was voting on whether to override that veto.
In recent days, Democratic lawmakers have stressed that more families will need to rely on SCHIP this year if unemployment increases.
"In a slowing economy, strengthening SCHIP and providing health care to 10 million children is sound policy, and overriding the president's veto is more critical than ever," said Nadeam Elshami, spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
The bill's $35 billion spending increase for SCHIP over five years would extend health coverage to an additional 4 million children — up from the 6 million children the program currently covers. Lawmakers sent the president a similar bill in October, which he vetoed. Democratic leaders fell 13 votes short in their previous override effort.
Republican leaders say the vote set for Wednesday is unnecessary. Congress has authorized enough money for SCHIP to maintain current enrollment levels through March 2009.
"It is clear that the political games have not ended," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, in describing the vote.
Dozens of Republicans have joined with Democrats in trying to increase spending on SCHIP. The program serves families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance.
"The bottom line is these kids need coverage," said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., who is chairman of a House health subcommittee. "SCHIP is the best way to handle it."
Both sides say they're willing to sit down after the vote in an effort to reach a compromise. Republicans contend that the current bill does not go far enough to prevent adults and illegal immigrants from getting health coverage through government programs.
But Democrats say such claims have been greatly exaggerated. The bill maintains a prohibition on illegal immigrants participating in SCHIP.
Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said the SCHIP vote Wednesday will be the first of many this year that will pit competing philosophies about the role of the government in providing health insurance. The year, he predicted, "will be replete with the kind of conflict this town is famous for."
Phone, Letter, e-mail, FAX!!!
"It is clear that the political games have not ended," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, in describing the vote.
It is far more accurate to say that the House is wasting time, demagogging the SCHIP issue, one more time.
This is the biggest canard going. I defy anyone to go anywhere in this country and get more than a "Huh?" at the mention of SCHIP. But here are the MSM and the RATS in lockstep once again for more socialism and the sheeple buy right into it.
He's too conservative. They instituted a 13% cap on income taxes in the motherland.
Oh this is just perfect. Our economy is in a shambles, so let’s SPRAY SOME MORE MONEY ALL OVER THE PLACE! yay
You stole my thunder. My wife and I were talking about the recession hype and the tax rebates being floated around. I mentioned the Rats wanted to increase food stamp spending as part of their “economic stimulus” and her response was “ What? , How is that going to stimulate the economy?” Mind you she is not as versed in economics as some, but she realized the sham right off the bat.
I heard a quote this morning on the radio from a Dem saying that they admit they don’t have the votes, but it a symbolic gesture. All I could mutter was that at least they waste their time and don’t pass more ridiculous laws.
...proposing anything to stimulate the economy.
The vote is happening now:
431 members (2/3 needed to override)
Vote total so far:
222 to override Bush veto
142 to sustain Bush veto
(10 mins remain)
Vote total so far:
248 override Bush veto
151 to sustain Bush veto
(6 mins remain)
If my math is right, 287 needed to override, 32 votes yet to go so Bush wins again.
More wasted time by the dems
Times up:
Vote total:
260 to override Bush veto
152 to sustain Bush veto
“2/3 not being met, the bill is rejected”
Whoops, missed this one earlier too!!
Lots of ‘goings ons’ going on there!! Lol
Gonna be an accident soon.
.
LOL!
‘nuther “2-fer”
I’ll have to make Pelosi and Reid ‘crash’ when I get the time.
.
I had planned to combine those 2 before
Went fairly smoothly
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.