MEDIA ADVISORY, Thursday, October 18, 2007
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, Stark (202) 225-3202

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to a request by Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH). Boehner and 153 of his Republican colleagues today voted to uphold President Bush’s veto of Congressional legislation that would have provided health care to 10 million children.

“I have nothing but respect for our brave men and women in uniform and wish them the very best,” said Stark. “But I respect neither the Commander-in-Chief who keeps them in harms way nor the chickenhawks in Congress who vote to deny children health care.”

“Our uninsured children in America are fighting cancer, cystic fibrosis and other diseases that take their lives,” continued Stark. “Leader Boehner’s vote against overriding the President’s veto dishonors not only these children and their parents, but also the thousands of courageous men and women who President Bush and Republicans in Congress have kept in harms way. These brave men and women are in Iraq to protect our children – as should Republicans in Congress. Leader Boehner and his Republican colleagues should apologize for their votes and join us to provide health care to 10 million children.”