Landmark legislation passed the United States House of Representatives today by a nearly veto-proof majority- 289-139- that expands health insurance coverage to millions of American children in need.
From CNN:
"In this moment of crisis, ensuring that every child in America has access to affordable health care is not just good economic policy, but a moral obligation we hold as parents and citizens," President-elect Barack Obama said in a statement released after the vote.
"I hope that the Senate acts with the same sense of urgency so that it can be one of the first measures I sign into law," he said.
SCHIP covers more than 6 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.
This action by the House will be welcome news to families all over the United State tonight, and thank you to Kansas Congressmen Dennis Moore, a Democrat, and Jerry Moran, a Republican, for voting "yes."
Sadly, Kansas Representatives Lynn Jenkins and Todd Tiahrt voted against the bill.
http://kansasjackass.blogspot.com/2009/01/jenkins-tiahrt-vote-against-increased.html