Albio Sires: “Last week President Bush once again threatened to veto a bipartisan agreement that will provide health care insurance to…”

“Last week President Bush once again threatened to veto a bipartisan agreement that will provide health care insurance to 10 million low-income children. The President should talk to our Nation's Governors, 43 of whom have voiced support for a strengthened CHIP reauthorization. The Republican Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman, said, "CHIP is a much needed safety net for uninsured kids, and Congress showed tremendous foresight in authorizing it a decade ago. Uninsured children are the State's number one priority." The Republican Governor of Wisconsin, Tim Pawlenty, said, "We as Governors also want to make sure that the current population, and hopefully some reasonable expansions, could be covered." In addition, the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "We cannot roll back the clock on the program that has helped to ensure children who need it most to have a healthy start in life." Mr. Speaker, Republican and Democratic Governors alike recognize the importance of this program. I hope the President will listen to these Governors and reconsider his veto threat.”