by Mark Silva
How does President Bush feel about facing his first potential congressional override of a veto?
"The president is fine with it,'' his spokeswoman said today.
The bill is a $23-billion water-resources development act which contains many projects for congressional districts around the country, from Illinois to Florida, The president has vetoed it -- one of only five vetoes penned during his two terms in office -- in objection to its level of spending. He complains that House and Senate leaders bargained the bill up to $23 billion in negotiations that started at $14- and $15 billion.
Congressional leaders, certain that they hold the votes to override the president's veto, are prepared to do just that. And the White House said today, that will be fine.
"The president understands that many of these programs are important to hometown districts,'' said Dana Perino, White House press secretary. Calling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers "already stretched'' in the work on its plate, she said this new mandate will only make it harder for the Corps to do its job.
Yet the White House certainly can count.
"We expect the override,'' Perino said,"and the president is okay with that.’’
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Comments
Somehow I doubt Bush understands what the override is.
I'm tired of having a scary-stupid President. Isn't America ready for a scary-smart President?
Posted by: nisleib | November 5, 2007 1:54 PM
The president has vetoed it -- one of only five vetoes penned during his two terms in office -- in objection to its level of spending. He complains that House and Senate leaders bargained the bill up to $23 billion in negotiations that started at $14- and $15 billion.
And Bush, Cheney, and Rummy's lies and incompetence bargained up a war that would "Practically pay for itself", into a trillion dollar fiasco. But that's o.k., as long as we have our priorities in order.
Posted by: dt | November 5, 2007 1:57 PM
Remember, a year ago Rep. Boehner (R-Ohio), had this to say:
"I think Donald Rumsfeld is the best thing that has happened to the Pentagon in 25 years. This Pentagon and our military needs a transformation. And I think Donald Rumsfeld is the only man in America who knows where the bodies are buried at the Pentagon, has enough experience to help transform that institution. Let's not take the problems in Iraq, the tough fight that we're in there, and blame it on anyone. We're in a tough fight. Al-Qaeda is doing everything they can to disrupt our efforts in Iraq, to disrupt the new government, creating more violence than anyone can imagine, and defeating al-Qaeda there is important because if we were to pull out before we win, we will embolden every terrorist in every corner of the world. And then, instead of fighting them in Iraq, we'll be fighting them on every street in America."
Posted by: TheReamer | November 5, 2007 2:32 PM
The Army Corps of Engineers is the most stupid entity of government here in Springfield,Illinois they have squandered 37 years figuring if we should have Hunter Lake. We badly need it for water in a 100 year drought. Environmental wackos like the Sierra Club have thawtered efforts to get this lake.It's time for the President to look at our request and confront the Army Corps over their judgement. I served as Chairman of the Plan Commission for the City of Springfield for 6 years under the late Mayor Telford--we planned this lake and agreed with environmental wackos to make it a sportsman lake meaning there would be no homesites on the lake shores. The Sierra Club used this as a pawn in a chess game they are against the lake because they are against development period.After the fall of the Soviet Union,socialists all over the world joined the green movement for power. If a politician tells you he has the endorsement of the Sierra Club run like heck and grab your wallet. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | November 5, 2007 9:24 PM
The Reamer is leftist liberal Democrat. End of story President Bush can veto any bill from Democrats hw wants --grow up Reamer he is the President. Jerry White, Springfield,IL
Posted by: Jerry White | November 5, 2007 9:29 PM
Bush will make a signing statement and invalidate the over ride.
Don't worry. Go watch reruns of crappy TV.
Democracy is dead. Nothing to be worried about.
Posted by: s katz | November 5, 2007 10:52 PM
Let's hope this is the first of many veto overides. The Congressional Republicans should become more wiser the closer we get to election day. Without the hardcore bushies covering his arse in congress, we'll get some protection from his brain farts.
Jerry White, he's your President. He's already made it known that people like me are cowards, don't back the troops and are unpatriotic because we don't agree with him. He's your's.
Posted by: Ken | November 6, 2007 12:43 PM