WRDA PROVIDES $35 MILLION TO MODERNIZE PATERSON SEWERS
WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) released the following statement after President Bush vetoed the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), which included a $35 million investment in the modernization of Paterson’s aging sewer system:
“The President’s misguided decision to veto the Water Resources Development Act is a slap in the face to Paterson and hundreds of other communities that struggle with poor water quality and dangerous flooding. Just as with stem cell research, setting a timeline to withdraw troops from Iraq, and providing children’s healthcare, the administration has regrettably blocked Congress from advancing another national priority.
“WRDA is a fiscally responsible, bipartisan effort to create cleaner, safer communities. I was proud to join an overwhelming majority in Congress approve the first comprehensive commitment in seven years dedicated to the protection of America’s water resources. I urge my House colleagues to override the President’s veto, and am confident that we will approve an overdue investment in America’s water infrastructure.”
WRDA, which Pascrell had fought to authorize for eight years while a member of the Water Resources Subcommittee, passed overwhelmingly by a bipartisan vote of 381-40 in the House of Representatives on August 2, 2007. A $35 million provision to modify Paterson’s sewer infrastructure was among the projects authorized.
Congressional leadership has announced that the House of Representatives will vote on Tuesday to override the President’s veto.
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