Tell Congress to just say "NO" to Bush's SCHIP veto

The president may have power to use his veto pen, but with your help children will have the health care they need.

Last week, our president vetoed a bill to expand the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). With the stroke of a pen, George Bush singlehandedly put over 6.6 million kids at risk of losing their health insurance and denied an additional 4 million children access to health care.

Next week the House of Representatives will challenge the president and hold a vote to override his veto. It will take a super-majority to reinstate the law Congress passed and provide millions of children with the health care they need.

Urge your Representative to support SCHIP and say "NO" to Bush's veto.

In Washington state, only Rep. Doc Hastings (R-4) sided with the president and voted against expanding children's access to health care. Every other member of Congress from our state supported the bill.

Call 1-866-544-7573 to contact your Representative

Tell Congress to stand with millions of America's children who need health insurance and just say "NO" to the president's veto.

Take a few minutes and use the form below to follow-up with an email.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support SCHIP and say "NO" to Bush's veto

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I would like to thank you for supporting the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides million of children access to much needed health care.

However, last week President Bush vetoed the reauthorization of the popular SCHIP legislation that you worked so hard to pass. With the stroke of his pen, George Bush single-handedly put over 6.6 million kids at risk of losing their health insurance and denied an additional 4 million children access to health care.

I am writing to ask that you continue to stand with America's children. Please say "No" to President Bush's veto by supporting the original SCHIP bill.

You will not be alone in your efforts. Strong, bi-partisan majorities approved the SCHIP bill in both the House and Senate. Furthermore, 72 percent of Americans support increased funding to expand SCHIP according to a recent survey by the Washington Post and ABC News. It is clear that a solid majority of Americans and members of Congress support the reauthorization of SCHIP.

Again, I ask you to stand with millions of children who need health care and just say "NO" to President Bush's veto.

Thank you for supporting such a vital piece of legislation and for continuing to fight for America's children.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 13, 2007

Background Information

Throughout his presidency, George W. Bush has exercised his power to veto legislation only four times. The most recent legislation vetoed by president Bush, provided funding for over 10 million children to access health care through the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Funding to expand the SCHIP program easily passed the Senate and House with strong, bi-partisan majorities and despite president Bush's veto, he doesn't get the final word - our Representatives in Congress do.

The US Senate approved expanding SCHIP with a final vote of 68 -31. (both Senators from Washington state voted to support this bill)

The House of Representatives approved expanding the program with a final vote of 265-159. (The representatives from Washington who supported the bill are - Jay Inslee D-1, Rick Larsen D-2, Brian Baird D-3, Cathy McMorris Rodgers R-5, Norm Dicks D-6, Jim McDermott D-7, Dave Reichert R-8, and Adam Smith D-9. only Doc Hastings R-4 voted against the measure)

Even 72% of Americans support expanding SCHIP to provide health insurance for more children, according to a recent Washington Post/ABC News survey.