Congress Votes to Expand Kids’ Heath Care; President Bush Threatens Veto

On September 25, a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives voted to adopt legislation [H.R. 976, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization] to provide health care coverage for more than 10 million low-income children.  Specifically, H.R. 976 would preserve coverage for the 6.6 million children currently covered by CHIP and extend coverage to 3.8 million children who are currently uninsured. 

To read a detailed summary of the legislation, click here.             

The House approved the bill on a vote of 265 to 159.  The Senate passed the legislation on a bipartisan vote of 67 to 29.  The President is expected to veto the bill.

Rep. Levin said, “Providing health care for children should not be a partisan issue.  The legislation has the support of a large majority of state governors, Republicans and Democrats alike.  The bill has broad bipartisan support in the Senate....  So it comes down to this:  Clearly, a majority of the House will vote for the SCHIP bill today; the only real question is whether the House will pass this bill with enough votes to discourage a Presidential veto.  Do we stand with the President or with kids who need health care coverage?” 

To view the full statement, click here.

Remembering WWII: The War and the Veterans History Project

This week PBS stations across the country are airing The War, a seven-part series about World War II directed by Ken Burns.  (Click here for local air dates).  This film provides a poignant snapshot of the World War II experience through the personal accounts of men and women from four American towns. 

Working in partnership with PBS stations and Ken Burns, the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress is encouraging Americans to interview veterans in their own communities.  The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and preserves the stories and experiences of veterans that tell the history of our nation during wartime from the perspective of the men and women who were there. 

The Project depends on volunteer interviewers, both individuals and organizations, to record the veterans’ stories.  If you are interested in recording veterans’ histories in our District, please click here for more information. 

The Week Ahead

This week the House of Representatives will consider legislation [H.R. 2740] to amend the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act to ensure that all contractors working in war zones are held accountable for felony crimes under U.S. law.  There are approximately 180,000 contractors working in Iraq.  The House is also expected to take up H.R. 928, the Improving Government Accountability Act.  House lawmakers will also debate H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Forgiveness Dept Relief Act of 2007. 

(####)

Home Page  |  Congressional Connector