News Releases
SC Democratic Party Urges GOP to Override Bush's SCHIP Veto
October 18, 2007
Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler is challenging South Carolina's Republican members of Congress to override President George Bush's veto of a bill renewing and expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
"The Democratic Party has always been where families and children could look for help. We genuinely understand the plight of those families who can't afford health insurance and have to resort to overcrowded emergency rooms for their basic medical needs. In many cases, children are not receiving much needed medical care simply because their parents cannot afford it," said Fowler. "Surely children's healthcare is so important that even Republicans-- if they have hearts and a real interest in America's future--can see the need to vote to overturn this reckless veto."
SCHIP is a program which allows states to offer health insurance to uninsured children up to age 19. Families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid or do not have insurance may qualify for SCHIP.
Since its creation 10 years ago, SCHIP has successfully benefited millions of U.S. children. An estimated six million children are currently enrolled in the program.
It is crucial for Congress to override Bush's veto because the expansion of SCHIP would double the number of children insured in South Carolina.
"It is our job to make sure that our children are well cared for and to prepare them for the future," said Fowler. "I hope that Congress will not let them down."
