Statement of Senator Hillary Clinton on the President's Threat to Veto Bipartisan Agreement to Expand Children's Health Insuranc

July 16, 2007 -- Washington, DC – “There are 8.7 million uninsured children in America – over 300,000 in New York – and our number one priority should be doing everything we can to cover them. President Bush has had six years to take action to cover these children. Not only has he done nothing, but now threatens expansion of SCHIP with a veto. It is one of our most important national priorities to cover all Americans and that should start now with all of our children.

SCHIP has been one of the most successful health care programs, with strong bipartisan support. We should build on this success by expanding the SCHIP program and working to cover every child. I have introduced legislation with Congressman John Dingell to cover all uninsured children.

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Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus and Senator Rockefeller worked together with Senators Grassley and Hatch, who have long been strong supporters of this program, to craft this bipartisan agreement to reauthorize and expand the program. It is unconscionable that this President would veto a bill that expands and improves coverage for kids.”

Source: Senator Hillary Clinton