Recently, President Bush has threatened to veto a bill that would increase the State Children's Health Insurance Program by $35 billion over the next five years. If he does this, it will be up to the House and the Senate to override his veto in order for an additional 3.3 million children to have access to healthcare.
Both Representative Mark Souder, a Republican representing Indiana's 3rd District, and Representative Joe Donnelly, a Democrat representing Indiana's 2nd District, voted against the bill.
While the Senate passed the bill with the two-thirds majority, it is feared that the House will not have enough votes to override the veto. It is up to the residents in these districts to express their feelings on the issue of children's healthcare. Call, write or e-mail your Senators and Representative so that if President Bush decides to veto this bill, like he says he will, there will be enough votes to pass this important piece of legislation.
In a country as progressive as the United States, I believe all children should have access to some form of health care. President Bush says he doesn't want to fund the bill with as much money as the House and Senate have agreed upon. Perhaps he should take some of the additional $150 billion more he is asking for the war, and put it toward preventative and curative measures for innocent American children.
In response to Tony Burchette in "No Harm in Smoking," I'd like to argue that this is more than just a "bill that looks good on paper." It has been incredibly effective since 1997, and increasing the funding is simply going to help more children. I understand what you have said about the fine line in income, but is it fair that because we cannot offer coverage to the entire population of children in the United States, we should hinder our efforts to insure more children?
I also understand your concern about the fact that they are proposing to increase the tax on cigarettes from 39 cents to a dollar. Since I am not a smoker, I cannot say that I'm not in favor of it, but I can't imagine not taking a stand against it if they decided to raise the taxes on something like my college textbooks or ice cream. Here is what I do know: This bill is going make a difference in millions of children's lives. Will their parents be grateful because of the money they will not be spending? Of course, but it will be the children, the future of our country, who will truly be rewarded.
To find out who your Representative and Senators are, or how to contact them, visit www.house.gov and www.senate.com
