Congress Overrides Presidential Veto of Water Projects

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November 8, 2007 - Indianapolis Star

WASHINGTON -- Congress has voted to override President Bush's veto of a bill that would begin the process for the federal government to spend up to $35 million for White River projects and sewer repairs in Indianapolis.

The Senate today voted 79-14 for a bill giving permission to spend up to $23.2 billion on numerous navigation, flood control and environmental restoration projects.

Both Sen. Richard Lugar, a Republican, and Sen. Evan Bayh, a Democrat, voted for the bill. The bill was supported in the House Tuesday by most members of the delegation except Rep. Dan Burton, R-Indianapolis, and Rep. Mike Pence, R-Columbus. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, and Rep. Julia Carson, D-Indianapolis, did not vote.

The bill would authorize $28.5 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to improve the downtown area along the White River including ecosystem restoration, recreation projects and flood damage reduction work.

The bill would also allow the government to spend $6.4 million for sewer system repairs in Indianapolis.

Projects included in the bill must still receive funding through annual spending bills.

President Bush vetoed the bill, calling it fiscally irresponsible.

For more on this topic, visit CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/08/congress.water/index.html

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