Tom Harkin Statement On Bush Veto Of Domestic Spending Bill

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November 13, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today voiced his disappointment with President Bush’s veto of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Services Appropriations bill. Upon introducing the domestic spending bill in the Senate, Harkin received word that Bush would veto the legislation based on the language advocating for stem cell research and the overall funding level of the bill. In an effort to meet the President half way, Harkin stripped the bill of the stem cell language even though a majority of Americans want to see action on the issue. President Bush vetoed the domestic spending bill this morning.

“It seems that this President is unwilling to compromise and is determined to provoke a confrontation. Last week, he said he planned to veto this bill because of what he deemed frivolous “social spending,” as though it pays for Saturday-night socials and country club memberships.

“Well Mr. President, there is nothing frivolous about providing job retraining to workers laid off at Maytag, or home-heating assistance to seniors during the coldest winter months. There is nothing frivolous about cancer research and health care programs, Head Start support and college aid.

“It is time for the President’s party to take a deep breath, think about the ideals our country was built upon and help us override his serious mistake.”

Source: Senator Tom Harkin