Bush announces SCHIP veto threat

President Bush announced this morning that he will veto the SCHIP expansion. Bush said it was irresponsible and “Members of Congress are risking health coverage for poor children purely to make a political point.” The SCHIP plan would expand government health benefits to middle class Americans.

Congress proposed a $50 billion expansion in SCHIP, compared to Bush’s $5 billion increase. Senate Democrats compromised with a $35 billion plan, and aim to bring along Republican votes.

This is a set-up for a big budget showdown with the federal budget deadline nearly a week away.