In America, the Democrats are moving closer to political victory on children’s health insurance with lawmakers noting the credit crunch as another reason to expand government-sponsored health cover.

The Senate is thought to vote later this week on a legislation that would spend $31.5 billion more over the next 4 ½ years on the State Children’s Health Insurance Programme.

The additional finances will help around 4 million uninsured children to the scheme and permit 2.4 million more children whose parents would otherwise be purchasing private insurance.

Sen. Byron Dorgan said that this bill was of top priority and the best way to ensure children’s health: “What we ought to decide is that this is a priority for this country. It's a long-delayed priority. What ought to concern us now is that we move and move quickly.”

Sen. Jef Bingaman cannot wait for the bill to be passed: “It's a major step forward for our nation. Many Americans face grave economic uncertainty, and it's critical that we move quickly to pass this legislation and send it to President Obama for his signature.”

Republicans have criticised the move though, believing that the coverage should only expand to around 2 million uninsured children.