House Overturns President’s Veto

Rep. Salazar Hails Vote as Victory for Colorado

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John T. Salazar issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. House of Representatives vote to overturn the president’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act.  The final vote was 361-54 to override the president’s veto. 

“The House sent a strong message to President Bush today by voting to overturn his misguided veto of WRDA.  WRDA contains projects that are vital to the State of Colorado and especially the 3rd Congressional District. 

“WRDA authorizes the construction of a conduit for Pueblo and Otero Counties, which is critical to the public safety of the Lower Arkansas Valley.  Already, communities have received notice that they are not in compliance with EPA safety standards.  WRDA includes the authorization for $69 million for a pipeline that will provide a solution to water quality problems facing communities in Eastern Colorado.

“WRDA also includes $1 million for infrastructure improvement to the water delivery system to the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation.

“WRDA originally passed the House with almost unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans, and stands up as an example of what Congress can do when both sides of the aisle work together.”