House Okays First Potential Bush Veto Override

The House approved what could become the first override of a Bush veto yesterday, with Republicans joining Democrats in challenging the president over a $23.2 billion water resources bill that addresses pressing infrastructure needs while offering hundreds of home district projects. "I must respectfully disagree with President Bush's veto of this important and long overdue water resources development act," Rep. John Mica, a Republican of Florida and the top Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in explaining the rare rebellion of the GOP faithful toward the president.

The vote was 361–54, well over the two-thirds majority needed to negate a presidential veto.

The Senate, which approved the bill 81–12 in September, could cast its override vote as early as today.