House Expands SCHIP, Veto Still Lingers

House Bill Not Veto-Proof

Legislation expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), HR 976, passed the House yesterday by a vote of 265-159. 45 Republicans voted in favor of the resolution while eight Democrats went against the majority of their party with votes of ‘nay’ on the bill including Dennis Kucinich, one of the few Representatives willing to call out Dems for their continued statements against the Iraq war while they pass funding appropriations that make expansion of military activities possible.

Local Congressman Tom Reynolds mirrored his earlier vote against the program’s expansion.

The Dems victory in the House is likely to be shortlived however. While the legislation is expected to pass by a wide margin in the Senate the numbers in the House indicate that there would not be enough affirmative votes to override the veto which President Bush has promised.

My bet is that we see an emergency spending appropriation passed to cover the funding gap before the 30th.