SCHIP is Back, House to Vote Again This Week

Via Alternet:

This post, written by Scarecrow, originally appeared on FireDogLake

Last night Speaker Pelosi announced she would bring a slightly revised SCHIP funding bill to the House floor for a vote -- today (Thursday). The revised bill still provides $35 billion in additional funds and health coverage for 10 million children, but it makes a few changes to counter the Bush Administration's misrepresentations and opponent's alleged concerns.

As Pelosi promised last week, the plan is to enact the full SCHIP funding again, and if the President is foolish and heartless enough to veto it again, attempt another override, with the opposition having even fewer excuses to vote no. This type of strategy is exactly what many progressives have been hoping from the Democratic leadership when they know the public is solidly behind them against an out-of-touch, unpopular President. It's not just good politics; it's good public policy, because this program deserves passage and has the overwhelming support of the American people.

From Speaker Pelosi's statement:

"It's supported by a bipartisan coalition, Democrats and Republicans across the country. Republican and Democratic governors support the SCHIP initiative. Every organization that you can name, from the AARP to the YWCA, and everything in between, AMA, the Catholic Hospital Association, Families First, are lobbying for the passage of this legislation. . . .

"The focus is on the poor children. These are poor children. The poorest children receive their health care through Medicaid. Then just above that tier, the working poor families, the focus is there and we're very proud of the legislation.

theteach