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November 5, 2007
WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Friday vetoed a water resources authorization bill that includes about $23 billion in highly sought-after water projects across the country, setting up an override confrontation with Congress, including members of his own party.
The bill, which authorizes several Army Corps of Engineers projects for flood control, coastal rehabilitation and waterway infrastructure, had passed both houses with veto-proof margins, making it likely Congress will override a President Bush veto for the first time.
"Infrastructure is very important to our country from the standpoint of being competitive, but also with safety issues," Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said. "This water bill is long overdue, and I'm sure (the veto override) will pass by a wide margin."
Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said in the unlikely scenario that the veto is sustained that funding for Chickamauga Lock repairs could be in danger since half of that funding is included in the water authorization bill. Chickamauga Lock is in the middle of an eight-year, $349 million upgrade.
"That's why it's even more important that this bill get through," he said. "An override is something we always hate to do, but in this case, I support the legislation. The needs for infrastructure are enormous."
All area lawmakers voted for the bill, which President Bush said was far more expensive than he had hoped.
White House press secretary Dana Perino labeled the bill "fiscally irresponsible."
Congress sent the bill to the White House last week, after it passed the Senate, 81-12, and the House, 381-40. A two-thirds margin in both houses is needed to override, and the votes are expected next week.
The legislation only authorizes -- but would not spend -- money for the projects.
Democrats accused President Bush of being late to the party in claiming fiscal responsibility. The president did not veto any similar authorization bills over his budget requests during the previous six years, when Congress was controlled by Republicans.
"After several years of borrowing and spending our country into massive deficits, the administration is trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes at the expense of a bill that provides for the construction of needed water projects," said Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn. "I think it's shameful that we are seeing the White House playing politics and attempting to rebrand themselves as fiscal conservatives."
The bill includes $7 billion for hurricane damage rehabilitation in Mississippi and Louisiana, $3.6 billion for coastal restoration and flood control in Louisiana, $2 billion for restoration of the Florida Everglades and about $2 billion for seven new locks on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
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