Congress To Address Economic Stimulus, SCHIP Early in 2009

Democratic congressional leaders in early January 2009 plan to work on several bills -- such as an economic stimulus package and legislation that would expand SCHIP -- to allow President-elect Barack Obama to sign the measures soon after he takes office on Jan. 20, 2009, according to individuals familiar with the situation, the AP/Austin American-Statesman reports. According to the AP/American-Statesman, the issues "have been the focus of battles between the Democrats in Congress" and President Bush, and "Democratic plans to prepare legislation before Obama takes office depend on the cooperation of Senate Republicans," who will "have enough strength to slow the matters that must be settled before committees can begin to work and to impede the progress of legislation."

Bush last year vetoed two bills that would have expanded SCHIP amid concerns that the legislation would have provided coverage for children in middle-income families rather than focus on children in lower-income families. Congress sustained both vetoes (Espo, AP/Austin American-Statesman, 11/23).