U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole says the current expansion plans for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (pronounced Ess-CHIP) don’t make good sense.

“First of all, I’m supporting extending the current program for 18 months, because I’m strong supporter of SCHIP and think it’s a good program and don’t want political fights to hurt continued coverage for North Carolina children,” she said.

But, she says, there are flaws in the current bill before the Senate: It would cover adults. It would move children from private insurance to government rolls, she said. It would cost an additional $35 billion over five years. And it relies on a tobacco tax, which she said would hurt growers and industry in North Carolina.

“I hope Congress can go back to the drawing boards and come back with an acceptable bill that holds true to (the program’s) original intent, which is health care for low-income children who are not eligible for Medicaid.”

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.

More after the jump.

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