House Tries Again to Give Neediest Children Health Care

House Tries Again to Give Neediest Children Health Care

January 23, 2008

WASHINGTON - Today, the House of Representatives tried for the second time to override the President's veto of a bipartisan children's healthcare bill, which would help millions of families who are unable to afford health insurance. Unfortunately, only 260 members voted in support of the bill, which is less than the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), who voted in favor of the override, noted that this is an especially devastating blow to millions of families that are struggling under increasingly challenging economic conditions.

“Thousands of families in Northern California are unable to cope with the rising cost of heat, food, gas and health care. And as unemployment in California grows, so does the number of people without health insurance. As our economy worsens, providing health coverage for the children from the neediest families is more critical than ever,” said Thompson.

The bill continues coverage for the 6.6 million children currently enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). It also extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children who qualify for the program, but aren't currently enrolled.

In addition, the bill includes changes requested by President Bush after his first veto, such as making sure the lowest-income children are served first. However, despite these changes, the President vetoed the bill a second time.

“As our country faces an economic crisis, the president played politics with the health of our neediest kids and too many of my colleagues in Congress followed his lead today,” said Thompson. “This bill was crafted by Republicans and Democrats and it is supported by 43 governors and the vast majority of Americans. Had Members of Congress voted in the best interest of their constituents, today's veto override would not have failed.”

Economic conditions in California combined with the state's budget shortfalls make expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program especially critical. California's unemployment rate was more than 6% in December, one of the highest rates in the nation. As the housing market collapses and gas and energy prices rise, more families will be unable to provide their children with health care.


CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov