Pelosi: 'President Should Support Bipartisan SCHIP Legislation For 10 Million Reasons -- the 10 Million Children Who Will Receive Health Care Coverage'

September 20, 2007

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a press conference in her office in the Capitol this afternoon to respond to President Bush's comments this morning on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Below are her opening remarks:

"President Bush should support the bipartisan SCHIP legislation for 10 million reasons --the 10 million children who will receive health care coverage should this bill become law.

"These 10 million children are joined by the Republicans and Democrats in Congress and in the governors' offices across the country. The SCHIP bill is supported by a coalition of 270 groups, from the AARP to the YMCA. I'm disappointed that the President has issued a veto threat this morning against this bill that has so much bipartisan, indeed nonpartisan, support.

"As the letter from the groups supporting SCHIP, beginning from AARP to YMCA, and everything in between, states, 'As representatives of nonpartisan organizations committed to improving the health care for all children, we are writing to urge your support of the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the State Children Health Insurance Program that is currently being negotiated on the Hill.'

"It's important to point out on the President's response this morning that this bill is about American families, America's working families, who are struggling to stay in or to reach the middle class. The legislation does not change SCHIP eligibility, and this bipartisan bill is fully paid for - no new deficit spending.

"The President is wrong when he says Democrats want a political victory. What we want is a bipartisan bill. What we want is health care for 10 million children. That is the goal supported by all Americans, regardless of party, and I hope the President will join us."

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In Case You Missed It...

Grassley pleaded for kids' health deal

Jane Norman, Des Moines Register - September 20, 2007

A frustrated Sen. Charles Grassley said today that he personally pleaded with President Bush to accept a congressional proposal on children's health insurance shortly before Bush held a press conference this morning denouncing the deal.
The Iowa Republican also said in an interview that the president was incorrect during the press conference when he said the agreement would offer government help to children living in households with incomes of up to $83,000 a year.
Grassley said that would not happen under the congressional compromise proposal expected to be formally announced later today.
"I'm frustrated for the kids of Iowa," said Grassley, a key GOP supporter of a renewal and expansion of the children's program known in Iowa as HAWK-I and set to expire Sept. 30. On the national level, it is known as the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
"I'm disappointed," Grassley said.