Obama Applauds SCHIP Passage

President Obama said he was pleased that the Senate approved an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program on Thursday, adding that it’s needed during the current economic downturn.

President Bush had vetoed the SCHIP expansion two years ago despite bipartisan support for it.

See Obama’s full statement below.

“As the worsening economy causes families to lose their jobs and health insurance, it is vital that we redouble our efforts to ensure that every child in America has access to affordable health care. That is why I am pleased that the Senate has joined the House in passing bipartisan legislation to provide health insurance to children whose families have been hurt most by this downturn. Providing health care to more than ten million children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program will serve as a down payment on my commitment to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care.”