Essential Estrogen

Congressmen Bruce Braley and Leonard Boswell have issued statements in regard to the President's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program, a program that would extend health insurance to more than 25,000 additional Iowa children.

Rep. Bruce Braley:

"The President just doesn't get it. With the stroke of his pen, 26,000 Iowa kids could have gotten health insurance coverage for the first time. Instead, President Bush's veto has jeopardized the health insurance coverage of the 37,000 Iowa kids currently covered by the HAWK-I program.

"Congress will now try to override the President's veto. Given the strong bipartisan support this program has received, I hope Republicans who have sided with President Bush over children will reconsider their vote and see the long-term benefits of insuring 3.8 million more American kids.

"And I certainly hope Congressman King will reconsider his opposition to children’s health insurance and join a unified Iowa Congressional delegation in supporting a program that provides such clear benefits for Iowa kids.”

Rep. Leonard Boswell:

“I’m extremely disappointed that the President did not exercise the right to change his mind, but instead, turned his back on millions of uninsured children in this country. The American people strongly support the SCHIP legislation—both Republicans and Democrats-- and it’s a shame that this president vetoes popular bipartisan legislation, such as the Stem Cell bill and now SCHIP.”

Note: I'm on my way out the door to a candidate event. If more statements from Iowa officials surface while I'm gone, I'll add them when I return.