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STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DAVID PATERSON

Today, our members of Congress were asked to stand up for the children of our country by overriding the President’s veto of the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Sadly, spurred by President Bush's continued mischaracterization of the legislation, that effort fell short and we are particularly disappointed that two of New York’s representatives, Congressmen Kuhl and Reynolds, chose to vote against the measure that would have provided affordable health insurance for families that are unable to afford it.

While each and every member of congress is given the opportunity to purchase health insurance for their families, those who voted against the override have chosen to deny that same privilege to millions of children across the nation and thousands of children in New York State.

We commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Charles Rangel and the New York Congressional Delegation for their efforts to bring this important issue to a vote.

At this time, we are committed and remain steadfast in our position and support of SCHIP. We fully intend to proceed with our multi-state lawsuit against the federal government and will pursue a solution that gives states the flexibility to put our children on the road to a long and healthy life.