House of Representatives Overrides Bush Water Bill Veto

The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday to override President Bush's veto of a $23 billion bill regarding water resources and conservation. The debate will now move on to the Senate, and if a veto occurs there as well, it would be the first time Congress overrides a Bush veto.

The vote in the House of Representatives totaled 361 to 54, and the Senate favored the bill with an 81 to 12 vote in September.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, voted against the overrirde, citing concerns similar to those expressed by Bush when he voted the bill Friday. Via her press secretary, Foxx said that a jump from a $15 billion spending bill, which she had supported, to a $23 billion spending bill was too drastic for taxpayers.

"When it passed the House, this bill was something I could support," she said. "But after working its way through the Senate and back to the House, it was stuffed full of new projects and earmarks. Many of these were added behind closed doors without the openness and accountability that taxpayers deserve."

Many officials in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Yadkinville and Wilkes counties are hoping to initiate a number of storm water and drought-related projects. "I would say that the money is important for Winston-Salem and working out our water issues," said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. "I certainly understand the congresswoman's concerns about the amount, but I have to speak for the people of Winston-Salem."

Source: Winston-Salem Journal