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Bush Calls Democrats Irresponsible

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By JENNIFER LOVEN, The Associated Press

Published: September 23, 2007

WASHINGTON - President Bush again called Democrats 'irresponsible' Saturday for pushing an expansion he opposes to a children's health insurance program.

'Democrats in Congress have decided to pass a bill they know will be vetoed,' Bush said of the measure that draws significant bipartisan support, repeating in his weekly radio address an accusation he made earlier in the week. 'Members of Congress are risking health coverage for poor children purely to make a political point.'

In the Democrats' response, also broadcast Saturday, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell turned the tables on the president, saying if Bush doesn't sign the bill, 15 states will have no funding left for the program by the end of the month.

At issue is the Children's Health Insurance Program, a state-federal program that subsidizes health coverage for low-income people, mostly children, in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage. It expires Sept. 30.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers announced a proposal Friday that would add $35 billion over five years to the program, adding 4 million people to the 6.6 million already participating. It would be financed by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1 per pack.

The idea is scheduled for a vote Tuesday in the House. It has substantial bipartisan support.

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