SCHIP Debate NOT about Low-Income Kids (Rep. Adrian Smith)

Yesterday, I voted to sustain President Bush’s veto.  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, earlier this year Congress passed a bill that 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.

Now we must move forward and craft a sensible bill that makes sure the poorest children receive coverage. But time is of the essence.  Political gamesmanship has delayed this matter for far too long already.