House, Senate lawmakers vote to reauthorize SCHIP.(State Children's Health Insurance Program)

The House last week voted overwhelmingly to renew funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Senate Finance committee voted 12 to seven in favor of extending the program. The bill is expected to move to the full Senate this week.

President Bush last year vetoed two bills (HR 976 and HR 3963) to reauthorize SCHIP, prompting lawmakers to pass a short-term extension of the existing program through March 31, 2009.

The reauthorization bill renews and improves SCHIP and provides health care coverage for 11 million children. The program currently covers 7 million children and extends coverage to 4 million uninsured children, who are currently …