Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement On The Labor-Health-Education Appropriations Bill Veto Override Vote

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) a supporter of the Labor-Health-Education Appropriations bill released the following statement on the President's veto and the House of Representatives attempt to override the veto:

"The House was unsuccessful in overriding the Presidents veto of an appropriations bill that was supported by over 50 of my Republican colleagues and invested much needed funds into programs such as financial aid, No Child Left Behind, medical research at the National Institutes of Health, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, employment and training services, and the Community Service Block Grant. At a time when the U.S. economy is slowing it is unconscionable that President Bush would refuse to help students pay for college or retrain laid off workers.

"While the President has requested that Congress provide an additional $200 billion for the Iraq war he refuses to provide a $6 billion increase to domestic programs. Many of these programs will benefit veterans of the Iraq war in need of rehabilitation, housing, and employment.

"Republicans that voted against the override bear the responsibility,along with the President, of cutting funds to worthy and crucial programs."