The debate has been tumultuous in Washington, where the Democratic controlled House and Senate have passed competing plans to expand the program so that states can cover more children. Current funding, which has totaled $25 billion over the past five years, is set to expire later this year and must be reauthorized.
The Senate plan would increase current funding by $35 billion over five years, while the House plan proposes a $50 billion increase. President Bush is seeking an increase of $5 billion, and has threatened to veto any larger expansion once the two sides come to a compromise.
"It was a very non-controversial issue that has become very controversial because the president and a group of very conservative Republicans have decided to make this some kind of wedge issue," said Robert Blendon, professor of health policy and political analysis at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
The funding issue presents a particular conundrum for lawmakers. No politician wants to be seen as voting against child welfare, and many voters say that health care is an even greater priority than Iraq. "Either we will cover these children through SCHIP, or they will do without health care coverage," Strickland said during a press conference Wednesday calling on Washington to expand the program.
"If there are Republican candidates who oppose SCHIP and its expansion, it will in fact be, as I believe it should be, a significant issue in the campaign," Strickland told the Associated Press in an interview Thursday. "I believe health care is going to be a huge issue."
