Statement of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono of Hawai‘i
in the U.S. House of Representatives
In Support of a Veto Override on CHIP
October 17, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to override the President’s veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program reauthorization. The bill we sent him earlier this month would provide health insurance for 10 million low income children.
This includes continuing insurance for the 20 thousand kids in Hawai‘i already in the program and reaching out to provide coverage for an additional 12 thousand Hawai‘i children currently eligible, but not yet enrolled in the program.
I am disappointed that the President and most Members on the other side of the aisle have taken what can fairly be characterized as a stand against children. This is how much of the country views their position.
Apparently, even the President is aware that his veto was a bad decision because he now says he wants to find a way to compromise with Congress. However, the CHIP reauthorization the President vetoed was already a bipartisan compromise.
The original bill we passed in the House would have ensured healthcare for children of legal immigrants and other important provisions that the Senate bill cut. So the version of the legislation that the President vetoed was, in fact, a compromise bill.
It is not surprising that we have strong public support for a bill that reflects American values. Forty three governors – Republicans and Democrats alike – share our belief that all children deserve access to health care. Senate Republicans who helped shape the legislation agree.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Therefore, I urge my colleagues not to defend the President’s indefensible veto but instead to join together in defense of the most vulnerable among us – our children.
This is not only the right thing to do; it is also fiscally responsible. The bill is fully paid for, and the cost of this preventive care will save substantial money over time, as we keep children out of unnecessary – and expensive -- emergency room visits.
I am also distressed, but not surprised, by the President’s misinformation in defending his veto. He would like people to believe that our bill provides health coverage to families who don’t need it – those who are making $83,000 a year for a family of four. This is not true. In fact, our bill does the opposite.
It helps states reach out to enroll the poorest children most in need of health coverage and decreases federal contributions to states which cover families above 300 percent of the federal poverty line.
What this veto comes down to is a question of values. Should every child in this country have health care? Does every child deserve a chance to grow up into a healthy adult? I think so, as do my constituents in Hawaii, and the majority of Americans.
Tomorrow’s vote will reflect our values.
I urge my colleagues to stand with our children.
summed it up precisely in an editorial this month by declaring that the President’s "veto is indefensible."
