It was only the fourth veto of Bush's presidency, and one that some Republicans feared could carry steep risks for their party in next year's presidential elections. The Senate approved the bill with enough votes to override the veto, but the margin in the House of Representatives fell short of the required number.
Bush for weeks had vowed to reject the legislation because he said it would provide subsidized health care to children from middle-income families who can afford private insurance. The administration supports continuing the program with an increase of $5 billion over five years.
The Administration sought as little attention as possible, with Bush wielding his veto behind closed doors without any fanfare or news coverage.