Insurance plan for children extended; Bush signs health legislation after vetoing attempts to expand it.(Main)

Byline: BEN FELLER - Associated Press

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush on Saturday signed legislation that extends a popular children's health insurance program after twice beating back attempts to expand it.

Politically, the move was a victory for Bush, although Democrats say it will come back to hurt Republicans at the polls. Two times, Bush vetoed bills that would have broadened coverage to more children.

The extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program is expected to provide states with enough money to cover those enrolled through March 2009. Bush and some Republican lawmakers say the program will still serve those that it should: …