Asserting ideology over a bipartisan agreement by members of Congress, President Bush on Oct. 3 carried out his threat to veto healthcare legislation for low-income children. He did so quietly, behind closed doors.

"The president’s veto is a disgraceful failure to support our nation’s vulnerable children," said AFT president Edward J. McElroy. "Kids need reliable, high-quality healthcare to grow up healthy and succeed in school. The president’s action further stains an already tarnished legacy."

The bill to renew and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a compromise measure hammered out between the House and Senate, would expand the $5 billion-a-year program by an average of $7 billion a year over the next five years. That would be enough to boost enrollment to more than 10 million children, up from 6.6 million, and dramatically reduce the number of uninsured children in America, currently about 9 million. SCHIP helps children whose families don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.

The bill has garnered wide support, even among conservative industry and healthcare organizations. The Senate, at 68-31, has enough votes to override the president's veto, but the House, at 265-159, still needs 19 more votes (contact your member of Congress now).

"An overwhelming majority of Americans support this bill, as does a strong bipartisan majority in Congress," added McElroy. "Congress should make it a priority to override this veto, delivering the strong message that the president’s obstruction will not jeopardize children’s health."

October 3, 2007