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Nebraskans help sustain Bush veto on children's insurance

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 - 05:24:41 pm CDT

Nebraska’s three Republican congressmen voted as expected Thursday to sustain President Bush’s veto of legislation expanding children’s health insurance.

But all three expressed support for new legislation to extend the program.

The president’s veto of a bill extending and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) withstood a 273-156 vote to override as supporters fell 13 votes short of the required two-thirds majority.

Story Photo
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center, speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday after the House failed to override President Bush's veto of the spending increase for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). From left are: House Majority Whip James Clyburn of S.C.; Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill.; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Md.; Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.; Pelosi; Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich.; Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.; Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. (AP)

While 44 Republicans joined with 229 Democrats to override, 154 Republicans and two Democrats voted to sustain the veto.

“It’s time to move forward and pass (a proposal) that targets our most vulnerable children,” Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln said.

Fortenberry said he supports “responsible expansion with increased funding” and has offered a plan to prioritize coverage for the neediest children.

“I have always seen the need to help our poorest of children, but this bill is nowhere near putting poor kids first,” Rep. Lee Terry of Omaha said.

The legislation would have expanded coverage to provide taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, Terry said, and added high-income families to the government program.

Rep. Adrian Smith of Gering said the bill “opens loopholes for illegal immigrants, expands the program to cover individuals with high incomes (and) encourages more federal spending.”

Furthermore, he said, it “forces the program to rely on an unstable funding source (in the form of) increased cigarette taxes.”

The bill included a 61-cent increase in the federal tax on cigarettes, bringing the levy to a dollar a pack.

At a cost of $35 billion over five years, the measure would have added nearly four million uninsured children to the program.  

Under the 10-year-old program, children from families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level -- about $41,300 for a family of four -- are eligible.

Several states are permitted to enroll children from better-off families, and some cover lower-income adults as well.  Ironically, given the criticism from Republicans, many of these states received permission from the Bush administration to expand eligibility.

Following the House vote, theWhite House called for compromise talks to craft new legislation extending the program.

During his weekly telephone conference call, GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel said he would support a compromise SCHIP measure proposed by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

That proposal would provide a significant increase in funding without broadly expanding the program, Hagel said.

Unfortunately, he said, the debate over SCHIP funding has been distorted by both political parties.

Democrats have used the issue to try to gain political points, Hagel said, while Republicans have issued “maniacal, wild warnings this would push us down the road of national health insurance.”

Nebraska Appleseed, the Lincoln-based public advocacy law center, said it was “gravely disappointed” by the three congressmen’s votes.

The legislation “would have provided the state the opportunity to cover more of the thousands of uninsured children in Nebraska who are eligible for the program, but not enrolled,” the center said in a written statement.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Thanks, Nebraska! wrote on October 18, 2007 5:52 pm:
" Did 100% of any other state's delegation vote with Bush on this? I can't believe Adrian Smith is allowed to serve in Congress. "

 simply put.... wrote on October 18, 2007 6:17 pm:
" Kids will die and families will suffer because of the republicans refusal to override the veto. Thanks Nebraska delegation for truly showing some great leadership on this critical issue! "

 proof wrote on October 18, 2007 6:41 pm:
" More proof all of Nebraska's Republican congress men should be voted out of office next November! Every child should have health insurance. "

 Lola wrote on October 18, 2007 6:43 pm:
" Perhaps one reason approval ratings for Congress and the president are so low is that there has been so much distortion and flat-out lying in Washington during the past six years. Just as Bush knew there were no weapons in mass destruction in Iraq, he -- and Congress -- knows that the reauthorization of CHIP would not provide health care to illegal aliens or families with incomes of $83,000, and coverage of adults would be phased out fairly quickly. These were problems in the original legislation and corrected in the reauthorization vetoed by Bush. Yet Adrian Smith and Lee Terry Jr. keep the lies alive. As for Jeff Fortenberry's concern about the "neediest children," they are already covered under Medicaid. God help working-class Nebraskans, because these three won't. "

 Popcorn Kid wrote on October 18, 2007 7:00 pm:
" I am personal proud of these REPUBLICIANS!!! If this veto would have been over-ridden, I would have had to pay for the health care of a 25 y.o. drug addict that lives in Anytown, USA. Democrats, hear me good!!! The REAL people of this great land (not the Lying, Ignorant, Bigots,etc.) are not going to put up with your garbage anymore!!! It is time that American's take back this country...not Hillary and her radical losers!!! simply put, get a life!!! "

 Travis wrote on October 18, 2007 10:17 pm:
" I have enough problems paying for my own health covereage, maybe we should expand this to include small business owners (myself) and every child in america! These democrats all attack our reps for standing up for what they campaigned on? Our reps will endorse the right bill, not this overspending and far reaching bill. The reason these democrats are so mad, is they sent a whole bunch of democrats to Washington, and they are only accomplishing theatrics. I suggest you send some reps to Washington that will do something - not put on theatrical shows. I personally thank our Nebraska reps. "

 JG wrote on October 18, 2007 10:28 pm:
" What's most disturbing is that Lee Terry and Adrian Smith apparently have no understanding of the actual bill. Illegal immigrants have never been eligible for SCHIP and there is nothing in this bill that would change that. So, they are either incompetent or outright liars. That fact that they would even use this lie to defend their indefensible position reveals the underlying hypocrisy. Apparently "family values" and "Nebraska values" and "Christian values" that these Republican Representatives all claim to stand for don't extend to immigrant children. The family/Nebraska/Christian values I'm familiar with say you help your neighbor, you help the poor, and when you do these things for the least among you.... I'd love to see any of them come up with a reference from their faith teachings that justifies a position that "illegal immigrant children" are not among those they have a Christian obligation to help. "

 The Conscience of America wrote on October 18, 2007 10:31 pm:
" This bill had no business becoming law as it passed Congress. First of all, it is NEVER alright to increase a government program's funding by 125 percent. Second, the cigarette tax increase Democrats wanted would never have raised the money n eeded to pay for the program. Don't believe me? Just ask Tennessee, which increased its cigarette tax by $.42 this year, how short of their projected revenue from the tax increase they are. Where would the extra tax increases to fund this obscene program expansion come from next year? I think we all know the answer to that. Third, the bill also wasn't serving only the low-income people that Democrats claimed it would serve. Families of four earning $61,950 per year would qualify, but the median national income for a family of four, according to HUD, is $59,000. People earning above the median -- who are decidedly NOT low-income -- would be covered. That's wasting money. Our representatives recognized all of this and made sure this waste didn't happen. We should be proud of their efforts. Good work, Republicans. "

 Hjalmer wrote on October 19, 2007 6:36 am:
" They should be ashamed of themselves! They vote for money to fund the IRaq war, but won't vote to provide health care to children? Where are their priorities? Where is their decency? Their humanity? "

 Why? wrote on October 19, 2007 7:18 am:
" Three Blind Mice! "

 Disgusted wrote on October 19, 2007 8:01 am:
" Nebraska is represented by the three stooges - backbenchers one and all! As to Mr. Popcorn Kid and his comment: I'd get a life if I could, but the health care system is bleeding me dry! I love these republicans. We're paying higher premiums, receiving fewer benefits and they are still extoling the virtues of the private health care system. Do you really think we're that stupid to fall for your propoganda? "

 Peace Frog wrote on October 19, 2007 8:48 am:
" There's NO QUESTION our representatives represented us well in this vote. They recognized that Democrats were trying to turn a program that is designed to help the poor into socialized medicine for children. According to HUD, the median income for a family of four in America is about $59,000 per year. This bill would have covered all children in families of four making $61,950 per year. That's clearly covering millions more than those who need it. You liberals claim to want fiscal responsibility? Then why are you voting to waste billions like this? Our reps also saw that the way Democrats were going to pay for this, raising cigarette taxes by $.61 per pack, would never have generated close to the revenue Democrats proposed it would. Where would the extra revenue come from to cover that hole? I think we all know the answer to that question. They also made a very intelligent fiscal decision -- that no federal program should EVER be increased by 125 percent! NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!! NEVER! Good work, Reps. Smith, Fortenberry and Terry. Nebraska is proud to call you our Representatives. "

 Disappointed wrote on October 19, 2007 9:40 am:
" True pro-life, compassionate conservative Republicants. Plenty of money for war, but not one red cent to help America children's health care. "

 goodjob wrote on October 19, 2007 10:42 am:
" Good job! Nebraska delegation. Always say 'No' to steps toward socialized health care. "

 did you read wrote on October 19, 2007 10:56 am:
" hello, this opens up healthcare to illegal immigrants, wealthy families, and even some adults. Come on,the can come up with a better plan than that. I'm all for taking care of America's poor children, but not for taking care of Mexico's and the guy's kids in the million dollar home. Sorry, I'm not paying for that! "

 Ahh, priorities wrote on October 19, 2007 11:27 am:
" Gee, I have a much more difficult time paying for a pointless war that our "leaders" dragged us into through a series of lies that has already cost more than 10 times the amount that this proposal to provide healthcare for children would cost. Guess it's fine for tax $ to go toward making Halliburton executives wealthier, but we really need to draw the line when it comes to these kids getting healthcare. Is that called a "principled" stand these days? Nebraska's Congressional delegation is nothing but a bunch of spineless, predictable corporate lackeys. "

 nemo wrote on October 19, 2007 11:36 am:
" Sorry but taxation for something like this is just the gov. forcing people to have a conscience and do what they should be doing from their hearts, the gov has no business forcing anyone to give to anyone else. Period. Too many people want to take, take, take, and never give anything back... "

 TG wrote on October 19, 2007 11:55 am:
" Thanks for supporting the hard working inviduals of this nation who believe the world owes their family nothing besides what they can earn themselves! What we really need is a law to stop the expansion of any government hand out program!! "

 Herb wrote on October 19, 2007 11:59 am:
" According to CNN Nebraska is the reddest State in the Union. This vote by these Nebraskans shows a complete devotion to the complete destruction of this country by the thinking in this State. Siding with Bush on anything is to shoot oneself in the political foot. but you would never know it in Lincoln. Blind loyalty to the party line here. "

 Theresa wrote on October 19, 2007 12:21 pm:
" To Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry and Adrian Smith: get ready for a new day job. And while you're at it, why don't you just cut your own insurance???? "

 Sylvia wrote on October 19, 2007 1:03 pm:
" Fortenberry's suggestion for prioritization would only bring another level of bureaucracy to SCHIP. Medicaid is for poor children, SCHIP is for AMERICAN families who are denied coverage, or are charged exorbitant rates, or are burdened with multiple health misfortunes. Self-employed AMERICAN folks do not have the bargaining power when getting their own health insurance. How many levels of administration do we already pay for with health insurance, and how many more levels does Fortenberry want to add before approving this program? This is a program that republicans started. It makes no sense to me. "

 JRT wrote on October 19, 2007 2:14 pm:
" The democrats are showing how “open minded” they are – the “you either agree with us or you hate kids” argument is very intellectual and open minded. It reminds me of a 3 year-old screaming until he gets what he wants. Those of you who are rational – do not even try to discuss this with them – you know what happens when you get in a peeing match with a skunk. "

 stignob wrote on October 19, 2007 2:26 pm:
" We can also tell who supports the troops in this thread. "

 prw wrote on October 19, 2007 2:45 pm:
" billions for war and killing....not enough money to add more poor kids to the insurance rolls....sounds like good nebraskans to me....you voted for them!!!! "

 Take a bow wrote on October 19, 2007 3:02 pm:
" We get the democracy we deserve. We are seduced by jingoistic militarism and promises of a tax free life and yet are surprised when our Treasury is so overtaxed by overseas adventures that we can't take care of our children. They all went to the circus while Rome burned... "

 Bryan wrote on October 19, 2007 3:08 pm:
" Whether or not this was a good program or not, sticking smokers with more taxes was not the right thing to do, though it's been very popoular for a long time. That well has about dried up, and it won't be long before the focus moves to something like alcohol taxes, or something else. "

 E Jr wrote on October 19, 2007 3:41 pm:
" To the Popcorn Kid--Why wouldn't we want to provide health care to the 25-year old drug addict? Seems like someone who probably needs it. Helping him or her and others like him/her would help the whole society. "

 Sick of paying for others wrote on October 19, 2007 3:45 pm:
" I myself am sick and tired of working to take care of people too lazy to take care of themselves and their families. Us hard working people have to pay our own way in the world, and take care of our own families, while these money suckers expect everyone else to take care of their ever growing families. It is about time we end some sort of goverment handouts! Good job once again Bush! "

 JR wrote on October 19, 2007 4:13 pm:
" Hey, kids...it's more monkey see, monkey do!!! Somehow bipartisanship and compromise has come to mean doing it the way this administration wants it done, or not doing it at all. I can't wait for this circus of nightmares to end. Or does that mean the terrorists win? "

 Thank you! wrote on October 19, 2007 4:27 pm:
" Thank you members of congress for sustaining this veto. I think that some sort of compromise can be made to do a small increase in the amount of funding ,but a $35 billion increase--come on people-- wake up or move to a socialist country. And the cry that "kids will die and families will suffer" how childish and petty. Since when has it become everyone elses problem to make sure everyone is covered by insurance and no longer up to yourselves to protect your family. "

 I'm sick of wrote on October 19, 2007 5:07 pm:
" all these people saying they are sick of paying for others. That is the cost of living in America and having a civil society. If you don't like it go somewhere that doesn't have big taxes. Of course you wont like living in a country like that (no amenities like electricity, water, health care etc.). Trust me there are a lot of people who pay a lot more than you and they don't whine about it. Yes there are people who pay less but get over it; that part of living here. "

 whatever wrote on October 19, 2007 5:13 pm:
" You can always count on our 3 stooges to put their jack boots on in unison and goosestep their way around the halls of congress singing Hail to the Fuhrer, I mean hail to the chief. I don't think one of our congressman is capable on an independent thought. Gentleman, is do you want your children to remember your service to our country as elected officials as a career where boldness and creative solutions to our country's problems take a back seat to bad policy? Do you really want to go through your life in the back pockets of "the powers that be"? Do you want to be a lackey or a statesman? I know how I would want my children to remember me. "

 ABR wrote on October 19, 2007 5:16 pm:
" Hey proof, last time I checked, there weren't any Dems in the race. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on October 19, 2007 6:40 pm:
" Do Democrats really believe their own propaganda? This program as written would have covered millions of kids who are already covered privately, and some others who should be, if their parents weren't irresponsible and selfish. And once government gets involved in insurance, private companies get driven out. The result of expansion of programs like S-CHIP is an incremental governmental takeover of health care, which of course, is exactly what the Democrats want. Socialized medicine on the installment plan. No thanks! "

 Dan wrote on October 19, 2007 8:25 pm:
" Let's expand government into a critical area such as making health care decisions............They manage everything else so well ($100 hammers & $500 toilet seats)......You think medical costs (taxes) are high now & at times quality is straining by staff being over worked (nurse/doctor shortages)......Just wait if government gets more its hands on medical system....especially when you need a critical surgery and you get put on a waiting list....ask our neighbors to the north in Canada "

 Hooray wrote on October 19, 2007 9:56 pm:
" This bill was drafted by the same idiots who condemned Rush Limbaugh for his "phony soldiers" comment. They obviously need to work a little harder to start drafting something intellegent. Kudos to our 3 congressmen for NOT signing this far reaching bill. And kudos to Ben Nelson (our lone democrat) for not signing that stupid letter and aligning himself with the partisans of his party!! Nebraska's representative are truly independent, non-partisan thinkers in my opinion!!! "

 Jody P wrote on October 20, 2007 6:52 am:
" Bush is right on by vetoing this bill. It doesn't mean he doesn't want kids to be covered. It means he does not like the method and wording in this bill. I have been speaking out against Bush since the beginning of his presidency but I am finding out more and more that I have been wrong. He was right to take Saddam from power and he is right now. "

 geez wrote on October 20, 2007 8:20 am:
" What do expect from the rubber stamp three. I can tell you no one from the third district ever watched Smith on the floor of the unicameral or they would never have voted for him. This really isn't news. News would be if they had an original thought. Just expect them to follow the line nothing more nothing less. "

 Hjalmer wrote on October 20, 2007 8:49 am:
" People, I SELL health insurance, but the way we provide health care coverage in this country is simply a failure. It's demonstrable fact. This country spends more than twice as much as the nearest other western democracy, but we leave 45+ million people without coverage and by every measure of performance we do POORLY with results. Depending on who's doing the counting, we rank somewhere between 9th and 45th for results. The system we have a is a huge waste of money. There are many different variations that provide universal coverage around the world. Before you attach some name to each of those variations, just be aware THEY ALL BEAT OUR SYSTEM for both costs AND results. At some point, can't we just put the partisan warfare aside and FIX the problem? "

 DannyB wrote on October 20, 2007 9:25 am:
" You Nebraskans get the government you deserve. "

 yoshiki wrote on October 20, 2007 9:34 am:
" Popcorn Kid, hasn't the Republicans "had" this country for the past seven years already. Too late for taking back, it's already been done. "

 Sage wrote on October 20, 2007 10:44 am:
" So much for Jeff Fortenberry's claims to be a supporter of "Family Values". Congressman, we are judged by our actions and not our verbal intentions. Remember this informed voters when he tries to make those claims before the next election. "

 Scott wrote on October 20, 2007 11:56 am:
" Does anyone take into account how much money is blown on the war?? It's too funny how blind you are. Congressional Republicans should be made out to be villains, as well as anyone who doesn't support this expansion. "

 MP wrote on October 20, 2007 12:13 pm:
" thank goodness they did vote to sustain the veto. The bill expanded SCHIP way too much to cover too many kids already eleigible for private insurance. As a parent I certainly do not want the government controlling any more of our healthcare choices. The cost was ridiculous, too. "

 Really? wrote on October 20, 2007 12:19 pm:
" Said Hooray: "Nebraska's representative are truly independent, non-partisan thinkers in my opinion!!!" I really hope you were sarcastic. Our three Congressmen are anything but independent or thinkers! "

 Oh, the Irony wrote on October 20, 2007 11:07 pm:
" More low-income people smoke than higher-income people. Low income people are more likely to smoke than higher-income people. Low-income smokers tend to smoke more heavily than higher-income smokers. Cigarette taxes are the most regressive taxes in society. Sure low-income people will get health insurance, but it will be paid for out of their own pockets by way of cigarette tax. Lets take out an administrative step--why not just have them pay for their own health insurance and give them free cigarettes? "

 Quiting smoker wrote on October 21, 2007 11:53 am:
" I understand why taxes are impossed on cigarrettes, so then people can quit the disgusting habit. I wish I was fooled by the tobacco lobby when I turned 18. "

 TS wrote on October 23, 2007 1:38 pm:
" I'm really tired of the partisan divide getting in the way of us doing what is right. These are not Donkeys or Elephants we are talking about providing health care coverage for, they are children. They don't care if the politicians who represent their families are Dems or Repubs, they just deserve to be able to see a doctor when they are sick. "

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