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Congress overrides Bush veto for the first time |
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By Klaus Marre
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Posted: 11/08/07 12:30 PM [ET] |
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Congress for the first time reversed one of President Bush’s rare vetoes after the Senate Thursday voted 79-14 to override the president’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act. Bush had vetoed the measure earlier this month, citing its cost as the reason for sending it back to Congress. However, for the first time, enough Republicans sided with the Democratic majority in both chambers to buck the White House. The bill funds $23 billion worth of water projects popular with lawmakers because they bring federal dollars and jobs to their home states and districts. “It took Congress six years to pass it and a misguided president one day to try to kill it,” said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). “Fortunately, common sense prevailed.” Democrats hope that Thursday’s vote can crack the wall of GOP unity on backing Bush on vetoes. |
