Veto Looms for Iraq Spending Bill That Includes Construction Funds
House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on a $124.3-billion spending package, which includes $99.5 billion for the U.S. military to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also several billion dollars for military and civil construction. But the measure faces a veto from President Bush, who objects to provisions setting a timetable for beginning to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
If the bill is vetoed, the measure's supporters are unlikely to get the two-thirds majority needed in each house of Congress to override the President's action. While lawmakers are expected to approve funds for the troops, and at least some of the construction money, it's unclear when that will happen.