SCHIP Bill Signed By Obama

President Obama signed the SCHIP Bill into law today,providing federally funded health care to an estimated 4 million children. The final version of the SCHIP Bill provides an additional 35 Billion in Federal funding for SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) and is being financed by raising Federal cigarette taxes roughly 62 cents per pack. A great idea, but one day when most everyone has quit smoking, this country is going to be screwed.

Before the bill's passage, SCHIP covered almost 7 million children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid -- the federal health insurance program for the poor -- but who can't afford private insurance.With the bill, Obama said at a White House ceremony, "We fulfill one of the highest responsibilities that we have --to ensure the health and well-being of our nation's children." (Source: CNN)


In a show of stellar bipartisanship, virtually every Democrat in the House voted yes and virtually every Republican voted no on the bill.