WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Delahunt released the following statement after President Bush vetoed bipartisan legislation that would provide health insurance to 10 million children through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP):

“President Bush’s veto of this legislation, which had strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate and from the majority of the American people, is unconscionable.

“The State Children’s Health Insurance program, which was created in 1997 under a Republican Congress, provides health insurance for the most vulnerable members of our society – children. The President’s veto demonstrates a lack of compassion for those who need health care the most. In 2006, more than 6.7 million children – 190,000 in Massachusetts alone – received health care coverage thanks to SCHIP. This legislation would have expanded the program to cover an additional 57,300 kids in the Commonwealth.

“In the days ahead, I will work with my colleagues and continue to fight to ensure that no child goes without the care that they need and deserve.” 

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