President Bush Vetoes SCHIP Reauthorization, Expansion Legislation
Contact U.S. Legislators, Ask for Veto Override
October 3, 2007 - Just this morning, Pres. Bush vetoed the bipartisan bill presented to him by Congress that would have expanded health care coverage to 10 million children through the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The bill now returns to Congress where members will vote to override or sustain Bush's veto. A two-thirds majority in both chambers is needed to override the veto. While the Senate approved the measure by enough votes to override it, the House is about two dozen votes short.
Please contact your U.S. lawmakers and urge them to stand up against Bush and stand by children.
It is especially important to contact the Michigan Representatives who voted against HR 976 to encourage them to do what is right to protect America's children.
Those who voted "no" are Dave Camp (R-4th District), Thaddeus McCotter (R-11th District), Joe Knollenberg (R-9th District), Peter Hoekstra (R-2nd District), Mike Rogers (R-8th District), and Tim Walberg (R-7th District).
As Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) said in a statement she released after the announcement of Bush's veto, "Just because the President has vetoed this critical program doesn't mean the fight is over. Working together, Congress can override the President's veto and make health care a reality for 10 million American children."
In addition to contacting your elected officials directly, you can also voice your opinion by signing an online petition sponsored by FamiliesUSA http://www.familiesusa.org/... It will be delivered to Representatives to encourage them to overturn the President's veto. FamiliesUSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.