Baucus enters national spotlight on CHIP bill

2007-07-23

Source: Missoulian

In this corner: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, his Democratic colleagues and some Republicans, fighting to help low-income kids get medical coverage.

In the opposite corner: President Bush, his administration and some conservatives, fighting against an increased government role in the nation's health care system.

Who will win? With the extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program likely to be the only major piece of health care legislation passing Congress this year, the struggle over its future has intensified.

Late last week, Baucus' committee, including six Republicans, approved a bill that would add $35 billion to the program over five years. Bush, who has proposed adding only $5 billion, renewed his threat to veto the bill. The increases would be on top of the $25 billion now available over five years.

Lawmakers said the Senate bill would add 3.2 million children to the program in addition to the 6.6 million currently covered. It would be paid for largely by a 61-cent tax increase per pack of cigarettes.

Trailed by a throng of reporters, Baucus left the committee meeting Thursday calling passage of the bipartisan bill a major step and a very strong message of support. He predicted the measure will pass by a large majority when it comes to the Senate floor, which is expected this week.

“It's a big day for kids,” Baucus said.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee's top Republican, agreed. He said he'll tell the White House it's unrealistic to continue current policy and that the administration needs to move ahead with the bill.

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