WASHINGTON, DC -- “It’s a sad day when America’s children can’t depend on the country’s leaders to watch over, care for and look after their most basic needs. It’s a sad day when this Administration would rather desert than defend its most vulnerable citizens.

“The failure of the House of Representatives to override the President’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is both thoughtless and reckless. Make no mistake, we will not be defeated, and we will not be deterred. We will not concede. We will not compromise the wellbeing of 10 million boys and girls to an Administration that has so wantonly and blatantly left these children behind.

“Our children are our nation’s future and they deserve the opportunity to live full and productive lives. It is our duty, and our responsibility to ensure they have it.  We will press on, leaving no stone unturned, no door unopened and no vote unchallenged to ensure the health and wellbeing of our nation’s children.”