UPDATE: SCHIP extension to become law

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has been a bipartisan program from its inception in 1997 and has enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Which is why right-wing ideologues hate it: "bipartisanship" is anethema to conservative ideologues who are opposed to any taxes and government spending of any kind for any reason.

Unfortunately, the Republicans who remain in Congress today after two electoral routes are of the right-wing ideologue variety. The mythical "moderate Republican" has largely gone the way of the Dodo bird and the liberal Republican (yes kiddies, once upon a time there were principled liberal Republicans).

Despite opposition from the right-wing ideologues who have now abandoned any notions of bipartisanship because it would compromise their conservative cred, the SCHIP children's health insurance extension passed the U.S. Senate last night by a margin of 63 to 32. Senate OKs kids health plan Only nine Republicans joined 57 Democrats in voting for the bill. No Democrat voted against it.

Even with the SCHIP extension, an estimated 5 million children remain without health insurance coverage. But the tide has turned and health insurance coverage for all children is a goal now within reach.

Attempts by Arizona's "Senator Obstruction," Jon Kyl, to water down or sabotage the bill with amendments were beaten back. Arizona's Senators Jon Kyl and John McCain voted against extending the health insurance program.

It's been a big week for Arizona's twin embarrassments. They voted against equal pay for equal work for women, and voted against providing health insurance to their children. They clearly have no moral conscience or they could not possibly live with themselves. Remember their despicable acts come election time.

The Senate version of SCHIP will now go back to the House which earlier passed the bill with an additional provision that will now drop out. President Obama will be able to sign the SCHIP extension into law next week. Senate expands health insurance for children