March of Dimes Disappointed By Veto of SCHIP Reauthorization

October 3, 2007, Washington, D.C.:  Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, issued the following statement as President George W. Bush vetoed a bill reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP):

“The March of Dimes is deeply disappointed President Bush vetoed this vitally important bill which is supported by a strong bipartisan majority in Congress and families across America.  Our disappointment notwithstanding, we believe this vital program must be reauthorized, and soon.  CHIP is the health insurance lifeline for millions of low income children who have no other way to obtain coverage. We therefore stand ready to work with the President and Congressional leaders to find common ground so that families can feel secure in the knowledge that the health needs of their children will be met.”

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.