They Voted for You: SCHIP

U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-W.Va., helped pass legislation Thursday "extending government-sponsored health insurance coverage to about 4 million uninsured children," The Associated Press reports.

Approved 66-32, the measure "authorizes an additional $32.8 billion over the next 4 1/2 years for the State Children's Health Insurance Program," the article said. "The House plans to take up the same measure next week."

"The bill pays for expanding SCHIP by increasing the federal excise tax on cigarettes from 39 cents to $1 a pack," AP reported. "The Democratic majority turned back Republican amendments to limit expansion of the program."