Sometimes a Veto Threat . . . Is Just A Veto Threat

[babylonsister]

Sometimes a Veto Threat . . . Is Just A Veto Threat
By CQ Staff | 9:25 AM; Sep. 28, 2007

By Libby George, CQ Staff

Especially when a president’s domestic legacy is at stake — or when two-thirds of the Congress stands ready to override.

Whatever the reason, President Bush had only happy words Thursday as he signed a bill to slash student lender subsidies and boost student aid programs.

He had threatened to veto the bill (HR 2669) right up until the House and Senate were just days away from clearing the bill, with veto-proof majorities.

But with a reauthorization of his signature No Child Left Behind education program needed, he may have thought it best not to make House Education and Labor Chairman George Miller angry.

Indeed, Bush praised the California Democrat’s work on the student aid bill, even though the chairman refused to back down over Bush’s objections to new mandatory spending measures and other provisions.

“When George puts his mind to getting something done, he can get it done,” Bush said, pointedly adding: “I’m about to . . . call him to get this No Child Left Behind Act reauthorized.”

The White House has worked for months to persuade reluctant lawmakers on both sides to reauthorize No Child Left Behind (PL 107-110). But even with Miller’s support, Bush’s efforts may not result in the act’s renewal. Democrats have announced a desire to rework core testing components, and a sizable number of key Republicans have coalesced against a reauthorization.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/09/sometimes_a_veto_threat_is_jus.html

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. Tell me again that the '06 election didn't matter ... I dare ya! n/t