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Bush SCHIP Veto Could Put Pressure On Castor

Posted Oct 3, 2007 by Billy House, Tribune Washington Bureau

Updated Oct 3, 2007 at 11:39 AM

President Bush’s veto this morning of a bill to renew and expand a children’s health care program could lead to pressure on Tampa’s freshman Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor to switch her vote yet again on the measure.

Castor initially voted for the House version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill, but then voted against the final version negotiated with the Senate. She said the final version wouldn’t serve as many children as the version she favored, and relied too heavily on cigar taxes—she had been stung by criticism over the taxes, a problem in her district.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Castor and seven other Democrats a pass to vote “no” as the bill passed 265 to 159, but now Pelosi is not ruling out an override attempt. She’s likely to need those eight votes, plus some Republican switchers, to get the needed two-thirds vote—290 of the 435 House members.

In a statement this morning, Pelosi cited the bill’s “strong bipartisan consensus” and “so much potential for good,” and said, “We remain committed to making SCHIP into law—with or without the President’s support.”

Castor had no immediate comment on her plans, and House Democratic leaders have decided to put off an override vote until October 17.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said Bush is open to negotiating a deal with congressional Democrats, but said the administration has no reason to doubt House Minority Whip Roy Blunt’s confidence that Pelosi can’t get her 290 and the House will sustain the veto.