Boozman voted against the SCHIP bill that made it's way to the President's desk. And Thursday, he was one of the 156 votes cast in favor of sustaining Bush's veto. During his stop in Northwest Arkansas Monday, President Bush talked about why he vetoed the bill expanding the state children's health insurance program. "The piece of legislation I got doesn't focus on the poor children. Many Americans don't understand there are a half a million kids eligible for this program that aren't getting help under the program," Bush said. Congressman Boozman agreed with Bush's decision. In a press release, Boozman says the SCHIP bill didn't put coverage of needy children first. Boozman has joined with House Republicans, drawing up a new plan for the SCHIP program, called "The More Children, More Choices Act of 2007." Instead of the proposed $35 billion expansion, the act would expand funding by $11.5 billion, and offer tax breaks to middle class families who have private insurance. Boozman says, "It is important that we begin the process of finding a solution as soon as possible. Members of both parties support SCHIP and all of us wish to see the program reauthorized. We now have the opportunity to make this program even better." Boozman says he hopes Congress can begin new discussions on the program soon.
