The House of Representatives voted 381-40 to pass the Water Resources Development Act conference report, leaving only two hurdles left: the Senate and the White House. Despite the ease with which the bill passed the House, the next two steps both present potential problems.
First, the White House has threatened a veto of the bill due to the price tag. The National Corn Growers Association has been pushing for the bill's passage for years, and NCGA President Ken McCauley was unhappy to hear of the veto threat.
"This is not the time for a presidential veto," he says in a statement Thursday. "This bill is far too important for our nation's transportation needs and economic viability, and our elected officials know it. The bipartisan support in the House is proof of that."
The bill could also be delayed by a Senate filibuster. That could stall consideration until after the August recess.
The last WRDA was authorized in 2000.
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