Later today, the Senate is expected to snuff out a filibuster [1] and approve more health insurance for kids.
But the bill is not likely get the 67 votes needed to overcome President Bush's threatened veto. Obstruction still reigns. [2]
Bush and other congressional conservatives appear unmoved by last week's oped from his former director of Faith-Based Initiatives, John Dilulio [3] (via Talking Points Memo [4]), who charges Bush with contradicting his campaign themes of "compassionate conservatism," and reports that several Republicans -- including "former Bush advisers," governors and Senators -- are begging Bush to drop the veto threat.
But CQ (sub. req'd) [5] finds that conservative opposition to healthy children is stiffening: "Spurred by President Bush ... Republicans are fighting the legislation every step of the way, especially in the House."
Bush isn't running for re-election, so there's no need for him to fake the compassion anymore.
And he appears to have enough conservatives willing to go to the mat, and prevent Congress [2] from heeding the public will and doing right by our kids.
Links:
[1] http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/070730cd1.htm
[2] http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/proudly_preventing_health_care_kids
[3] http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20070726_Bushs_stand_on_insurance_plan_contradicts_words_of_compassion.html
[4] http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/015943.php
[5] http://www.cq.com/display.do?docid=2561369&sourcetype=6