(SALEM, Ore.) - A $23 billion water resources bill has led to the first veto override of President George Bush. The President protested, saying the bill was filled with unnecessary projects.
Nonetheless, the 79-14 vote sent a strong message to the White House about the President's ultimate reach of power, and signals a new direction for lawmakers in Washington.
The Congressional Budget Office says the price tag will be $11.2 billion over the next four years, and $12 billion in the following 10 years.
The AP reports that the bill will fund hundreds of projects that the Army Corps of Engineers wants to see move forward. These include dams, sewage plants and the restoration of beaches.
These are commonly regarded as important projects in local communities, some of which are the hurricane stricken Gulf Coast states that took a beating from Katrina. Some other uses include restorations of the Florida Everglades.
But in the President's eyes, the Army Corps backlog that adds up to a staggering $58 billion worth of projects is plenty to keep them in business, along with a $2 billion annual budget to help accomplish them.
The bill will now become the first water system restoration and flood control authorization passed by Congress in seven years.
The veto sailed through the house Tuesday with a 461-54 vote. A two third majority was required in each case to negate Bush's veto.
Senate Override of Bush Veto is a Signal of ChangeSalem-News.com