President Bush’s veto, which will prevent 35,000 uninsured children in Nevada from gaining health care, comes despite overwhelming support of the American people to expand SCHIP.  According to recent polls, 86 percent of the American people support reauthorizing SCHIP, with seven in ten saying they support the Democratic plan to expand SCHIP by $35 billion over five years. [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release, 8/23/07; Washington Post, 10/2/07]

Not only have a bipartisan group of 43 governors called on President Bush to extend and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but seven states filed lawsuits against the Bush Administration challenging proposed federal rules that would “force poor children to lose health coverage.” [Associated Press, 10/01/07]

Jill Derby called on Sen. John Ensign, Rep. Dean Heller and the Republican Presidential candidates to stand up to President Bush and join Democrats in voting to override President Bush’s veto.  Both Ensign and Heller voted against the SCHIP bill in Congress.

“President Bush and the Republicans trying to replace him may think it makes sense to turn their backs on Nevada’s children, but John Ensign and Dean Heller have an opportunity to stand with Democrats in standing up for kids in the Silver State,” Derby said.  “Allowing President Bush’s reckless and irresponsible veto to stand means denying thousands of Nevada children the opportunity to see a doctor, receive preventative care and live healthier and happier lives. Republicans like John Ensign and Dean Heller should have the courage to do the right thing and stand up to President Bush by joining Democrats in fighting for the families and children of Nevada.”