Smith Statement on Failed SCHIP Veto Override Attempt

Press Release

Smith Statement on Failed SCHIP Veto Override Attempt

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives failed to override the President's veto of H.R. 976, legislation massively expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

"This debate is not about providing health care to America's low-income children. That idea has widespread support - including mine - and SCHIP is an important part of reaching that goal. Instead of working to ensure those who need this assistance receive it, Congress passed a bill which opens loopholes for illegal immigrants, expands the program to cover individuals with high incomes, encourages more federal spending, and forces the program to rely on an unstable funding source - increased cigarette taxes. The President was wise to veto it.

"Congress must now move forward and craft a sensible bill which makes sure the poorest children receive coverage. But time is of the essence. Political gamesmanship has delayed this matter for too long already," Smith said.

SCHIP was established under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to provide health coverage to uninsured children who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, under H.R. 976, two million new individuals - some as old as 21 - would opt out of private health insurance plans in order to receive government health insurance. The bill also has been criticized for substantially weakening the requirements individuals applying for SCHIP must fulfill to prove citizenship or nationality.

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