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Local GOP Congressmen Vote Against Children's Health Program

San Diego County's three Republican Congressmen all voted against an expansion of the federally-funded Children Health Insurance Program on Tuesday. Critics say that decision could put California chil

Local GOP Congressmen Vote Against Children's Health Program

San Diego County's three Republican Congressmen all voted against an expansion of the federally-funded Children Health Insurance Program on Tuesday. Critics say that decision could put California children at risk. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The House overwhelmingly approved the SCHIP expansion bill. But supporters didn't get enough votes to override a promised veto from President Bush.

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Anthony Wright is with the non-profit group Health Access . He says some 800,000 California children are covered by SCHIP. Wright says more money is needed to sustain the program.

Wright : Even if we had flat funding for this program in the next year, which is a likely fall-back position, California would have to dis-enroll 250,000 children from this program.

Nevertheless, Mary Bono was the only California Republican in the House to vote in favor of expanding SCHIP.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.