Veto Risk Seen in Compromise on Child Health

Via The New York Times:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 — Senate and House negotiators said Sunday that they had agreed on a framework for a compromise bill that would provide health insurance to four million uninsured children while relaxing some of the limits on eligibility imposed by the Bush administration.

The compromise, which resembles a bill passed by the Senate with bipartisan support, sets the stage for a battle with President Bush, who has denounced similar legislation as a step “down the path to government-run health care for every American.”

Tony Fratto, a White House spokesman, said Sunday, “The House and the Senate still appear to be far away from legislation that we would find acceptable.”

Republicans will come under political pressure to support the compromise. But if the president vetoes it, he will probably have enough votes in the House to sustain his veto, Republicans say.

The compromise would increase tobacco taxes to finance health insurance for more children.