|
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives was unable to reach the two-thirds necessary to override President Bush's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007.
"Today, House Republicans once again walked lock-step behind President Bush and turned their backs on millions of children who, if they have their way, will be denied regular visits to see the doctor.
"President Bush and House Republicans rejected the wishes of 81-percent of the American people, 68 Senators, 43 governors and 273 of their own colleagues when they rejected this commonsense bipartisan bill that ensures 10 million children have access to health insurance. The legislation receives such strong bipartisan support because it was crafted with both Democrats and Republicans at the table, where we put aside partisan differences and instead thought about what was best for America's children.
"Despite today's disappointing vote, we refuse to ignore the health care needs of 10 million children, and will continue to explore options that allow us to ensure every one of these children live healthy and productive lives."
|
