Congress to Consider CHIP Compromise

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Tomorrow the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass a compromise bill that will spend 35-billion new dollars on health insurance for children of the working poor. The program is call CHIP, and President Bush has vowed to veto any bill that spends more than 5-billion new dollars on it. That puts him at odds with Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, the bill's sponsor:

"I believe the President has had bad advice on this, but I understand his desire to keep spending under control," says Hatch. "Health care spending is spiraling upwards all the time. It's a tough thing. All of us wish these costs were less, but I want to make sure these kids are covered."

About six million children currently receive health insurance through the state-run CHIP program and six million more are eligible. Hatch says the 35-billion dollar compromise between the House and Senate will only be enough to cover another three million kids.

The White House and some conservative lawmakers say the additional funding is a step toward government-run health care. Senator Hatch laments the President's unwillingness to negotiate, thus far:

"It would be helpful to have him inside the rooms with us," says Hatch. "But I still think we've created an honest, bi-partisan compromise of a bill that's been one of the best health care bills in the history of our country."

Hatch says the compromise bill is not likely to get enough votes for an override of the President's veto. On September 30th, CHIP will expire, leaving millions of poor children without health care. Hatch says Congress will likely pass a one-month extension to allow time for negotiation with the White House.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW