In October, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Concerned that reauthorization would add $35 billion over five years to the program and that it would expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who may be able to afford private insurance, Republicans have been trying to come up with a compromise bill.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has given negotiators until the end of this week to reach a compromise, reports the Kaiser Network. Otherwise, Democrats will pass a “long-term extension of the program that includes additional funds for states that are facing budgetary shortfalls for their programs.”
