Editorial: Expansion of SCHIP remains worthy goal
November 19, 2007
The State Children's Health Insurance Program is in need of a booster shot, but Congress can't seem to bring itself to administer it. Now is not the time to play politics — on either side — with the health of our children.
Written by Editorial, San Antonio Express-News
The State Children's Health Insurance Program is in need of a booster shot, but Congress can't seem to bring itself to administer it.
The Senate voted this month to expand the 10-year-old program. The House also voted in favor of the significant expansion, which would increase the program's budget from $25 million to $60 million over five years and cover 10 million children.
It's the second attempt this year to expand the program, which currently provides benefits to 6 million children. The newer version tackles some of the sticking points in the original bill and should appease Republicans.
President Bush vetoed the first attempt in October and has virtually guaranteed a second veto. That would be a sad commentary on the administration's priorities.
Nevertheless, some of the president's critics have allowed the rhetoric to get out of hand, saying Bush doesn't care about children. That sort of shrill assessment is both unfair and not helpful.
What Washington faces is a philosophical schism over taxes and the extent to which the government should use tax dollars to provide health care to those in need. Given the vast body of research showing that the uninsured place a significant financial burden on society at large, the need is apparent.
But the president has made his decision and is unlikely to reverse course. The responsibility lies now with those heretofore opposed House Republicans, who must step up and change their votes in favor of the bill.
As always, politics is rearing its ugly head.
Now, according to the news Web site Politico.com, some Democratic aides have indicated that if a satisfactory expansion isn't approved by next month, party leaders may propose a temporary extension until Sept. 30.
That would push the issue to a vote just before the 2008 election and corner opposition Republicans.
Now is not the time to play politics — on either side — with the health of our children.
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