More SCHIP Votes

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt, President George W. Bush, who vetoed a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), would accept a bill that increases SCHIP funding by only $20 billion over five years, as opposed to $35 billion over five years. (Kaiser Network)

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a modified SCHIP bill, but the measure still would increase spending by $35 billion over five years.

Opponents of the bill are concerned that the SCHIP program, which is designed to benefit children from low-income families, would expand to coverage to include adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who may be able to afford private insurance.

Listen to NPR’s coverage of the recent vote.

Also see Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?