I heart Chuck Grassley.

I know, I know, I shouldn't say such things about a Republican, but really I can't help myself in this case. Grassley is just so into S-Chip, it makes my heart all aflutter.

Here's why: President Bush apparently got a little misinformation (probably was intentional, who knows) about what the compromise S-Chip bill would do. Someone told Bush the bill would cover children in families with annual incomes of $83,000 (400% of the federal poverty level). However, this is patently untrue. The compromise bill, finalized over the weekend with final text expected today, limits S-Chip enrollment to 300% of the poverty level (maybe 350%, I'm not sure). The $83,000 that Bush refers to in his little rant on Thursday was about New York. NY petitioned to cover children in families at 400% of the poverty level ... and was denied, as Bush should know since his right hand man, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, did it.

So Grassley comes out Friday and says flat out, Bush, you don't know what you're talking about. Some highlights of Grassley comments:

• From CongressDaily: Bush's comments indicate a "miserable lack of understanding of what we're doing and even what his own administration has done;"
• From LA Times: Bush's proposal for SCHIP is insufficient "to accomplish what he said he wants to do, and that's cover more kids;"
• From USA Today: "The White House must recognize that bipartisan compromise is necessary" to continue the program; and
• From NY Times: "Drawing lines in the sand at this stage isn't constructive. I wish he'd engage Congress in a bill that he could sign instead of threatening a veto, and I hope he'll still do that."

"Miserable lack of understanding" is my favorite. I think it's just so rare that a Republican comes out and says it. You're wrong, Bush, and you suck (okay, maybe the "you suck" part is just my own personal view).

Runner up for favorite Republican on S-Chip is Orrin Hatch. When asked if he would vote to overturn Bush's veto, Hatch said, "You bet your sweet bippy I will." Aw, shucks, Orrin, you're just too adorable.

I started this post originally on Friday, and obviously more things have happened than my expression of adoration for two senior Republican senators. No, indeed, you may have heard that the compromise bill has been released. Here's the details, ala a Senate Finance Committee press release.