Tell your Representative to support SCHIP

If you have been following the news or this blog, you know that President Bush vetoed bi-partisan legislation sent to him by Congress that would extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to include more currently uninsured children. The President claims that extending this program would be an extension of socialized medicine, yet the private sector has clearly failed, with 47 million Americans lacking health insurance, to protect the health care of its citizens, including working Americans.

This bill already enjoys a veto proof 2/3 majority in the Senate. The problem is in the House of Representatives. Although 45 Republican Representatives joined with Democrats in the House, the bill is still 21 votes shy of the 2/3 majority needed in the House to override the President’s veto. It is sad that there are some Republicans that will place Conservative ideology ahead of what is good for America’s children.

On October 18th, Congress will vote to override President Bush’s veto. What you must do is call your Representative at 1-866-544-7573. Ask the switchboard operator for your Representative’s office. If you do not know who your representative is visit: http://www.house.gov/. Insert your zip code in the upper left hand corner. Urge him or her to override President Bush’s veto and provide health insurance for millions of American children.

If you are one of the 47 million uninsured Americans and earn too much for Medicaid, visit Health Plans Plus for information on how to find an affordable benefit program.