Clinton Vows To Protect Kids In Welfare Fight

Accusing congressional Republicans of trying to cut medical care for children, President Clinton promised Saturday to veto any welfare changes that he believes would jeopardize health care for the young or disabled.

In his weekly radio address, Clinton said that thousands of children with disabilities and children who are seriously ill “could lose some of their (health care) coverage” under a proposal to turn Medicaid programs over to states as part of welfare reform.

“This could amount to child neglect for a whole generation,” declared Clinton, speaking from the Oval Office of the White House. Nearby were seven youngsters, including two in wheelchairs, who had been invited to attend the radio broadcast.

Republican spokesmen were not immediately available for comment and in a follow-up radio response Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, did not address the welfare issue. Instead, he focused on the general issue of character and the need for “simple honesty” among political leaders.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman William Roth, R-Del., said last week that the proposal to change the Medicaid system is aimed at giving states greater flexibility and is supported by the governors.

Clinton’s radio address - mostly focused on the need to protect children - came as hundreds of thousands of people descended on the Mall to participate in a “Stand for Children” rally next to the Lincoln Memorial.