Senate Hands Bush First Veto Override

The U.S. Senate handed George Bush the first veto override of his presidency Wednesday, voting 79-to-14 in favor of a $23 billion water projects bill.

The measure had broad support in the Senate and House of Representatives, passing both chambers by veto-proof margins, C-Span reported.

Representatives Tuesday voted to override the veto by a 361-to-54 vote.

When Bush vetoed the Water Resources Development Act last week, he said the bill was not fiscally disciplined. The measure would authorize projects that impact waterborne commerce on the nation’s rivers and coasts, as well as authorize habitat restoration and environmental projects.