VITALE - PRESIDENT’S CONVERSION ON SCHIP GOOD NEWS FOR NJ

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the chief author of legislation expanding FamilyCare in order to guarantee affordable health care for all New Jersey children, issued the following statement after reading reports that President Bush had decided to back off threatened cuts to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides federal matching dollars to programs like NJ FamilyCare:

“Whether the President decided to make an election year conversion regarding SCHIP, or actually got religion in terms of access to quality health care for the working poor, the news that the Bush Administration is backing off intended cuts to the program are great news for New Jersey.

“Apparently the Bush Administration is the last place on Earth unaffected by climate change”

Dr. John Howard, respected health professional, oversaw development and expansion of federal 9/11 health programs

GUSCIORA/McKEON/STENDER CALL ON CONGRESS
TO CONTINUE TO OPPOSE OFFSHORE DRILLING

Resolution Blasts Bush's Call On Congress To Exploit Domestic Natural Resources

(TRENTON) - Assembly members Reed Gusciora, John F. McKeon and Linda Stender today called on Congress to remain steadfast in its opposition to offshore drilling despite President George W. Bush's continued pleas to lift a moratorium that would directly impact New Jersey's coastline.

GAO recommends increased oversight and accountability for the billions the U.S. sends to Pakistan to help fight terrorism

Menendez has been one of the Senate's leading proponents for strong SCHIP support and a defender of NJ's FamilyCare program

Sen. Menendez is author of legislation to permanently ban drilling in OCS, has led numerous defeats of offshore drilling amendments over the past year

Congressman Rob Andrews: BUSH'S IRAQ CHEERLEADER

WASHINGTON – Today, President Bush made two announcements regarding the War in Iraq – that he is maintaining the number of troops in Iraq and that he is reducing tours in Iraq to 12 months, though he continues to do nothing to guarantee troops adequate time back home between tours.