Bush slams Dems, vows to veto expanded kids' health insurance

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/570559,CST-NWS-ins23.article

September 23, 2007
BY JENNIFER LOVEN

WASHINGTON -- President Bush again called Democrats ''irresponsible'' Saturday for pushing an expansion he opposes to a children's health insurance program.

''Democrats in Congress have decided to pass a bill they know will be vetoed,'' Bush said of the bill that has significant bipartisan support, repeating in his weekly radio address an accusation he made last week. ''Members of Congress are risking health coverage for poor children purely to make a political point.''

In the Democrats' response, also broadcast Saturday, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell turned the tables on Bush, saying if he doesn't sign the bill, 15 states will have no funding left for the program by month's end.

At issue is the Children's Health Insurance program, a state-federal program that subsidizes health coverage for low-income people, mostly children, in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage. It expires Sept. 30.

Bipartisan lawmakers announced a proposal Friday that would add $35 billion in five years to the program, adding 4 million people to the 6.6 million already participating. It would be financed by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1 per pack.

Smoke 'n mirrors won't work on this one Mr. Bush.

THis is the kind of bill the Dems should be putting forth each and every week!