Washington - The US House of Representatives on Wednesday vastly expanded health care access for children, passing legislation long trumpeted by Democrats but that had long been opposed by President George W Bush. The House bill would add 32 billion dollars over four-and-a-half years to a government fund that provides health insurance to low- income children, bringing its total contribution to about 11 billion dollars per year and allowing another 4 million children access to the programme.
Bush had opposed the measure in the past, arguing it marked a slippery slope towards government-subsidized health care. President- elect Barack Obama, by contrast, promised during the campaign to ensure all children would get health insurance in his administration.
The bill, which was approved 289-139 by the House, must still pass the Senate. Congress twice passed the legislation in 2007 only for Bush to veto the measure.
Obama said he hoped the legislation could be among the first that he signs after he takes office January 20.
In this moment of crisis, ensuring that every child in America has access to affordable health care is not just good economic policy, but a moral obligation we hold as parents and citizens," Obama said in a statement.
