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Renzi Votes to Expand Children’s Health Insurance Program Program provides health insurance to low-income children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-1) voted today to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and override President Bush’s veto that was placed on the bill two weeks ago.

This afternoon, H.R. 976, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, legislation designed to expand the existing SCHIP program, failed to pass in the House of Representatives.   The bill received support from a majority of Representatives, but the bill did not receive the two-thirds vote needed to override a presidential veto.  The final vote was 273-156. 

On September 25, 2007, Congressman Renzi joined 264 of his colleagues and passed H.R. 976.  After both the House and Senate passed the legislation designed to reauthorize and expand the children’s health insurance program, President Bush vetoed H.R. 976.  

“I am disappointed the House of Representatives was unable to reauthorize this important program today,” said Congressman Renzi.  “It is important for Congress to come to an agreement and reauthorize this program so we can continue to provide health insurance to low-income children.”

In 1997, SCHIP was created to provide health insurance for uninsured, low-income children whose family income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private health insurance. 

SCHIP is jointly financed by the Federal and State governments and is administered by the States. Within broad Federal guidelines, each State determines the design of its program, eligibility groups, benefit packages, payment levels for coverage, and administrative and operating procedures.

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