The San Francisco Chronicle reports that President Bush has vetoed a bill that would give over 600,000 children from low-income families health insurance. The article goes on to say that Bush has used his veto power sparingly, but this is probably the most controversial veto during his administration. The bill did pass the senate with 68 votes (enough to override a veto), so it will be interesting to see what happens.
This situation is especially surprising considering this bill is endorsed by 63 Republicans in Congress and 43 governors. Bush claims that he vetoed this bill because it brings us one step closer to government controlled health care, but more than a few Republican leaders have put support behind this bill. The timing of this veto is also interesting considering the fact that President Bush just sent a proposal to Congress asking for $160 billion for the war in Iraq and this bill will only cost about $60 billion. It seems very strange that he would veto a bill that would have extremely beneficial and long-lasting results so late in this presidency. It is hard saying what is going through Dubya's head, but this could have serious implications on this "legacy" that he has been so concerned with lately.
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I think he may have done the right thing by doing this. But it feels kind of empty since he is denying many kids the right to health care... I think the next time they try to bring this up.... just lump it with the money they would want to spend on the military, that goes above what they are already mandated to spend.... It would either make them pass the law or look weak when it comes to the Iraq war... who would veto more spending for the military....
Plus who would want to tax smoking more than it already is done... I would, but that was part of the plan to pay for this healthcare bill... Oh well Bush has one year left in office.... but who is to say it would have passed with a different president....
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