Labeling the SCHIP program as 'socialized medicine' is political spin
By: U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis
Published: Tuesday, 10/09/07
The Tennessean

By now everyone is acutely aware of the bi-partisan bill to bring healthcare to our children. The renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was forged not by the Democratic-led House telling the minority party this is the way it is going to be. In this case both parties worked together and acted as Americans, not Democrats or Republicans. There are many inaccurate statements being spun about SCHIP from the Bush Administration and his stalwart supporters in Congress.

I have read editorials and statements by some members of Congress attempting to label the renewal of SCHIP as a blatant attempt to institute socialized medicine by Democratic officials. Does this pass the smell test? The simple answer is no. Here are the facts: 43 governors, from both parties, support the Congressional renewal of SCHIP; 45 House Republicans voted for it in final form; and, renewal efforts are being led by key Republican Senators like Charles Grassley of Iowa. And, since when did private companies like BlueCross BlueShield become government entities?

Additionally, there are claims that families earning $83,000 would be eligible. This would only be true in New York if their waiver is approved. The program, which gives latitude to states, sets a ceiling for a family of four at $61,800. In Tennessee, our governor, who has been charting a more conservative approach, has set the ceiling for a family of four at $51,625.

There is a question I think people should be asking themselves. Why now did the President veto a popular bill supported by many Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and a vast majority of Americans? Some may find it odd that our President did not veto one spending bill or other piece of legislation during the first six years of his Presidency, all under a Republican majority in Congress. During that time we witnessed the largest growth of government spending since the 1960s and a ballooning deficit. Why under a Democratic-led House and Senate does it seem as though the Administration is playing politics, especially while the well-being of our youth is at stake?

As former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan bluntly said in his new book, "The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World" his Party over the past several years put politics over fiscal discipline and lower government spending. Are the White House and their ideological supporters in Congress attempting to position the Republican Party as fiscally responsible after a recent poll showed a majority of voters see Democrats as better custodians of fiscal affairs?

I think it's time to stop the grandstanding and "rebranding" attempts so our children can have the healthcare they deserve and need.

U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis represents the Fourth Congressional District and is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition.