On October 18th, the U.S. House of Representatives was unable to override President Bush's veto of a bipartisan bill to renew and strengthen the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program jointly administered by the federal government and the states that provides health care coverage for six million poor and eligible children.  The final tally was 273 to 156 in favor to override the veto, which was 8 more "yes" votes compared to the original vote in late September to reauthorize SCHIP.  However, the margin still fell 13 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a Presidential veto and pass the legislation.

The House passed modified legislation on October 25th with a 265-142 vote to reauthorize SCHIP, but the total was still short of the two-thirds majority needed to overcome another veto threat from President Bush. The bill made modifications and clarifications concerning the objections raised by opponents of the first bill vetoed by the Administration.  They included:
-  An explicit cap on federal eligibility waivers for SCHIP coverage at three times the poverty level.
-  Requiring applicants to show proof of citizenship.
-  Moving childless adults out of SCHIP within one year, instead of two years as under the first bill.
As expected, the President vetoed the bill saying it was too costly.

Congress returned from its Thanksgiving break on December 4th and worked unsuccessfully to forge a third compromise to reauthorize SCHIP before Members returned home for Christmas and the holidays.  Instead, Congress passed an extension that funds the program at current enrollment levels through March 2009, and includes sufficient funding to prevent shortfalls in 21 states that are projected to be unable to continue provide coverage as soon as next spring.  Unfortunately, the House and Senate ignored the issue of a state's ability to extend SCHIP eligibility to more worthy children, nor did Congress address citizenship documentation requirements for services.

Catholic Charities USA and the Catholic Health Association continues to ask Congress to produce an SCHIP compromise bill that will attract bipartisan support without sacrificing the necessary components to maintain and extend health coverage to millions of eligible children.