Smith Disappointed by Failure to Override Veto of SCHIP

“I am disappointed that the House was unable to garner enough support to override the president’s veto" - Gordon Smith

U.S. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) offered the following statement in response to today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to override the president’s veto of legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program known as SCHIP.

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

“I am disappointed that the House was unable to garner enough support to override the president’s veto," said Senator Smith.

"This legislation represents a well crafted, bi-partisan agreement that would have ensured health care coverage for 10 million uninsured kids.

“I am committed to delivering a bill to Oregon that fulfills the goals of this program by getting health care coverage to those children in our state that need it most. I believe there is room to discuss the concerns raised by my colleagues, however, I will not stand for a bill that doesn’t provide the dollars needed to cover those kids eligible for the program, but who are not already enrolled.”

Source: Gordon Smith