Democrats React to SCHIP Veto; Boehner Reacts to Rhetoric

Here are some statements by Democrats in reaction to the disappointing (though not unexpected) failure to override the president's veto of the bipartisan SCHIP expansion bill:

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon) - “More than 81 percent of Americans support expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Ohio children like Emily Danko, Tanner Stainbrook, and Seth Novak, rely on CHIP to stay healthy. Those who voted today to uphold the president’s shameful veto should travel across Ohio and meet with these families one-on-one. Ohio voters and Ohio children were ignored today. I’m extremely disappointed.”

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) - “It is unconscionable that the Republicans have put politics over children and sound public policy. The Republicans have wasted precious time and energy confusing the public over this issue.

“We in the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus, however, will not give up on our commitment to ensure that every child in Ohio has access to quality, affordable health care. We understand that this is a top priority that should not be abandoned to play politics.”

Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) - “The President and his Congressional allies have sunk to a new low. Providing health insurance to kids in working families seemed like a no-brainer, but apparently I was wrong. I am sincerely worried about the health of those currently enrolled in the program and those who would have been enrolled had this bill passed.”

“I will not give up this fight. Continuing coverage for the 145,000 children in Ohio and making sure everyone eligible has the funds to join the program will remain one of my top legislative priorities.”

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Copley Township) -

Now here is what U.S. House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-West Chester) had to say:

"Our troops in Iraq are fighting against al-Qaeda and other radical jihadists hellbent on killing the people we are sent here to represent. Congressman Stark's statement dishonors not only the Commander-in-Chief, but the thousands of courageous men and women of America's armed forces who believe in their mission and are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security. Congressman Stark should retract his statement and apologize to the House, our Commander-in-Chief, and the families of our soldiers and commanders fighting terror overseas.

"During debate on the SCHIP children's health care legislation today, Rep. [Pete] Stark [D-CA] stated: "You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement."

Standard Republican operating procedure. Don't talk about the substance, where 81% of the country disagrees with you, attack Democrats over their rhetoric. Call them traitors and get everyone riled up. Demagoguery and politicking, that's the ticket. Next we'll see House and Senate resolutions condemning Rep. Stark, and that ought to push uninsured children off the TV news for at least a few weeks.