Last week, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). His veto caused quite a backlash in the mainstream media and among Democrats. The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow whether to override the veto.
The expansion would add $35 billion over five years to the SCHIP program. Republicans who voted against the bill are concerned it will expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who may be able to afford private insurance. According to a USA Today/Gallup Poll of 1,009 people, half agree with those Republicans and the president: the program should focus on low-income families. (Kaiser Network)
An excerpt:
The poll found that 52% of people agree that SCHIP beneficiaries should be children in families with annual incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level, while 40% say SCHIP should be extended to children in families with annual incomes up to 300% of the poverty level. In addition, 55% of respondents said they are very or somewhat concerned that SCHIP would create an incentive for families to drop private coverage.
According to USA Today, the poll shows that “while Bush may be losing the political battle with Democrats, he may be doing better on policy.” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said that policy is most important, adding, “There’s a lot of politics going on right now,” but “the politics will last a matter of weeks” and “policy here will go on for decades. We have to get this right.”
Also see Pelosi says Dems ‘still in the fight’ on SCHIP.
Update (10/19): The House failed to override President Bush’s veto of a bill to expand SCHIP, falling 13 votes short of the necessary two-thirds. See the Dallas Morning News for more information.