(Washington D.C.)- The U.S. House of Representatives last night fell short of overriding President Bush’s veto of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.  With 277 members voting for the legislation and 141 voting against, the bill did not meet the two-thirds majority threshold necessary to override a presidential veto.  The budget bill originally was approved in the House and the Senate with bi-partisan margins. 

 “This budget reflects our priorities – investing in key areas of education, worker training and health care” said Congressman Sander Levin.  “The President cannot now hide under fiscal responsibility when he has shown none, adding more than $3 trillion to the national debt.”

By way of background, the President’s budget for labor, health and education programs for Fiscal Year 2008 called for a cut of $3.6 billion below last year’s enacted funding levels.  Bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate rejected the President’s proposal and approved a modest, responsible 4.3 percent increase (or $6.2 billion) above last year’s enacted funding levels.

"The question is simple:  Do we want 1.2 million more Americans to have access to community health centers; funding for 1,400 more life-saving medical research grants; College Pell Grants to increase by $325, and 1.5 million more families to receive heating assistance this winter?” said Rep. Levin.  “The President needs to work with Congress on a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of America.”

To view a full fact sheet on the programs funded by this budget bill please click here.

(####)

Home Page  |  Press Releases