SCHIP Part 2

Well, the Democrats didn't take long to take up the SCHIP bill again after the House's veto override failed. Apparently, there are just a few minor changes (trivial things like covering families making up to $62,000 level rather than $83,000), but they might be enough to get the legislation to pass. The White House has signaled some willingness to compromise on policy, but the price tag is likely to remain a sticking point.

The fundamental ideas behind the bill remain, though: it's a tax increase, it will cover way too many people, and it's the first step toward universal health care.

The other sleazy part of this is that the Democrats in charge seem to be intent on pushing the bill through despite the fact that many Congressmen are in California with their constituents. Typical.

There's my two cents.


***UPDATE***
Last night, the Democrat leadership in the House pushed through the vote despite the absence of several members. While this 'irked' many Republicans, the Democrats said it wouldn't substantially change the outcome of the vote. It passed 265-142, but actually lost two Republicans from the previous SCHIP vote. It's still short a presidential override, though, so unless Bush is happy with the minor changes, it isn't likely to become law.

Now would be a good time to call your Rep and ask them to support the actual plan to provide health care coverage to poor children per the Republican plan.