Kay Bailey Hutchison: “Mr. President, I appreciate Senator Stevens' putting this bill forward, along with Senator Burns, because I think this…”

“Mr. President, I appreciate Senator Stevens' putting this bill forward, along with Senator Burns, because I think this is exactly the way the process should work. I am, frankly, puzzled by some of my colleagues who are arguing that they aren't going to vote for this bill because they voted for the line-item veto. I voted for the line-item veto. This is exactly the way the process should work. The President vetoes, and the Congress does not take away its right to disagree with the President. The Congress has not taken away its right to override. In fact, that is part of the process. That is the way it is supposed to work. I don't accuse the President of partisanship. I think he has vetoed projects that he probably considers were not worthy in States and districts represented by Republicans and Democrats. But I do think the President is wrong. I think the President did not have the facts straight, and I think he has vetoed essential projects that the military has asked for, and I think we need to override this veto. In fact, the President vetoed these measures that are operational. Let me just read you a couple of examples: A repair of the launch facilities for missile systems in White Sands, NM; to expand ammunition supply facilities at Fort Bliss; consolidation of B-1B squadron operations facilities. These are projects the military has said are essential.”