Bush Veto of Children’s Health Measure Angers Oregon Republican

Oregon's Gordon Smith is disappointed by fulfillment of President's promise.

President George W. Bush White House photo by: Paul Morse

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - As promised, President George W. Bush vetoed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program legislation that has been the focus of a great deal of debate in recent days. Bush vetoed the legislation at 10:00 AM.

SCHIP is a joint federal-state program that provides health care coverage to low-income children.

The President's Press Secretary Dana Perino hinted to reporters that Bush is open to negotiations with Democrats and other supporters of the program, but he wants them to get back to the program's original intent.

Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) reacted to the statement today in response to the president’s veto of legislation to reauthorize the SCHIP.

"I believe this is an irresponsible use of the veto pen," said Senator Smith. "I hope the House can garner enough votes to override the President."

Smith is not the only Republican breaking ranks with the GOP over the proposal, NPR is reporting that President Bush's veto of children's health legislation is causing problems for vulnerable Republicans in Congress, saying they are fearful of being on the wrong side of a very popular issue.

The proposal would add $35 billion to the State Children's Health Insurance Program.