Military-VA Appropriations Bill Expected To Pass In Senate, Veto Not Anticipated

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 10 Sep 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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The Military Construction-Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (HR 2642), which exceeds President Bush's budget request by $4 billion, is expected to pass in the Senate on Thursday, the AP/San Jose Mercury News reports. The legislation would provide $65 billion in discretionary spending and $41 billion in disability benefits.

The White House issued a veto threat in May, but with an override likely, the administration retreated from that position in its official policy statement Tuesday, according to the AP/Mercury News. The White House now indicates that Bush will sign the bill but says that Congress should identify cuts elsewhere to offset the increases (Taylor, AP/San Jose Mercury News, 9/5). Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he hopes to complete work on the bill "in a very expeditious manner" (Yoest, CQ Today, 8/4).

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