Cord Byrd: “today the President, our President, demonstrated once again that he values political posturing more than making America…”

“today the President, our President, demonstrated once again that he values political posturing more than making America a safer, healthier, more economically strong nation. This morning, President Bush vetoed a bipartisan, fiscally responsible Labor-HHS-Education bill that increases funding for programs to improve student performance, makes college more affordable, supports lifesaving medical research, and provides relief for families coping with rising home heating costs. The bill also provides money for veterans employment programs, homeless veterans, and research to help those veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The President, in an effort to convey the appearance of fiscal discipline, has threatened to veto 10 of the 12 appropriations bills-- 10 out of 12. Today the President vetoed the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill because Congress chose to increase funding by 5 percent. The hypocrisy of the President's political posturing became even more clear today. This morning, the President signed the Defense appropriations bill which provides a $40 billion, or 10-percent, increase for the Department of Defense. Also, this morning, the President vetoed the Labor-HHS-Education bill because Congress chose to restore irresponsible and shortsighted cuts proposed by the President. As part of the President's political message, he describes the 5- percent increase for Labor-HHS-Education programs as 'bloated' spending.…”