Bush Wins The Battle Over Children's Health Care 
Saturday, December 29th, 2007

This morning, President George W. Bush signed a temporary extension into law, granting a health insurance program for children after months of disagreement over Congress on the issue.  Through the signed legislation, about 6.6 million poor children will have coverage extended through March 31, 2009, which leaves any renewal decisions of the legislation up to the next President and Congress.

The legislation provides a 0.5% increase for Medicare doctors for six months, which delays the scheduled 10% pay cut.

The earlier propositions that were twice vetoed by Bush were looking to cover around 10 million children in low and moderate income families.  Despite bipartisan support of that bill, Bush wouldn't go for it.

He did not mention signing the temporary extension into law during his radio address today, but instead it was announced through a White House spokesman.

"We're pleased that the program will be extended and that states can be certain of their funding," said spokesman Tony Fratto.

Make no mistake about it:  Democrat-led Congress failed in their attempt to include low income families struggling just above the poverty level.  Bush has won the children's health care battle - in which the children lose - at least throughout the remainder of his term.

Here's the only part I like about it:  Bush also objected to raising tobacco taxes to pay for the proposed expansion of SCHIP, the State Children's Health Insurance Program.  As I've said before , we still need a entirely revised health care system, not just a way to fund children's health care by pinning it on the backs of tobaccoo users.

Guess who these little hotties are?  Presidential candidates! Find out who right here on our forum!

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