Congress is set to attempt an override, this week, of President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act – or WRDA. Among the key components of the legislation that is of great importance to agriculture interests in Missouri and the rest of the Midwest is it would clear the way for the authorization of funding for construction of seven new locks along the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) has already informed the White House he would lead the Republican effort in the Senate to override the veto. President Bush vetoed the bill, saying it "lacks fiscal discipline" and "fails to set priorities."
It appears as though both chambers have the two-thirds’ majorities needed to override the veto. In September, the Senate approved the legislation on an 81-12 vote. The House approved the bill 281-40 in August. The House is expected to vote Tuesday with the Senate probably voting Wednesday.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
