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 Speaker of the House has stated that work will begin immediately to produce a revised bill, and the House majority leadership has indicated their intention to make changes to the bill to garner more support from House members.  For his part, President Bush has also stated his willingness to consider an alternative to the SCHIP proposal he vetoed.

Before the veto override vote, the Speaker in her comments on the House floor thanked Catholic Charities for its efforts in support of SCHIP.  Thank you as well for your messages and letters to Congress.  But it's not over.

A revised measure may be produced soon and your continued advocacy for children's health care will be as important as ever.  Please look for updates and alerts from the WSCC and other Catholic organizations in the next few weeks when you will be notified again to ask your U.S. Representatives to move forward with SCHIP reauthorization.