“One of the biggest issues before Congress this fall has been the debate over the future of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Originally crafted by a Republican Congress in 1997 and signed into law, SCHIP was designed to provide health insurance for children whose parents made too much money to qualify for Medicaid but couldn’t afford private health insurance. The program was set to expire this year. The Democratic leadership in the House put forward two bills that — rather than simply reauthorizing and modestly expanding a successful program — change its essential nature.” [editor’s note: At the risk of being labeled “GOP apologist” we must agree with this analysis; the Dems have never been willing to renew this program at present levels … “for the children” - SAT] (10/31/07)