Dems, GOP Pounce on Bush Over Water Veto

President Bush is gearing up for another battle with Congress, but his latest fray could result in the first overriding of one of his vetoes, the Washington Post reports. His rejection yesterday of the water resources bill, popular with Democrats and Republicans, is a gamble because it may endear him to fiscal conservatives but erode his authority on Capitol Hill.

The bill would grant $23 billion for resource projects, including the Everglades and the restoration of coasts pummeled by Hurricane Katrina. As Laura Bush promoted protection of the coastal wetlands, the president vetoed the bill, saying it lacked “fiscal discipline.” One Republican questioned why Bush “would want to invite an override,” adding, “because that’s what’s going to happen.” (More water resources bill stories.)