WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell offered the following reaction to the House of Representatives’ failure to override the President’s veto on SCHIP:
“The 156 House members who joined ranks with the President instead of voting to insure America’s children committed a disastrous error in Congress today.
“The SCHIP reauthorization is a bipartisan, revenue neutral, compassionate measure that would insure health care coverage for 10 million poor children. It is supported by 81 percent of the public, 43 governors, and hundreds of organizations including AARP and a number of private health insurers.
“I can’t recall legislation with such widespread support failing to gain strong Congressional approval. The House of Representatives’ failure to override this veto is an epic disappointment for millions of working class families.
“Perhaps most disappointing is that this legislation was not defeated on its content. It was defeated by inaccurate and misleading political subterfuge and scare tactics. American families do not have time or tolerance for partisan political hyperbole when the health of their children is at stake.”
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