War Funding Bills With Billions For Construction Face Veto Threat
As the Memorial Day recess drew near, the Senate had begun debate on a $212-billion spending measure that would continue to fund U.S.military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provide about $10 billion for defense and non-defense construction. The House had approved similar totals for non-defense construction on May 15. But the White House objects to the bills’ price tags, and is promising a presidential veto.
The Senate supplemental spending package that came to the floor on May 20 would provide $3.4 billion for Dept. of Defense construction projects, many of them located in Iraq and Afghanistan. But there is substantial stateside work, too, including $1.2 billion to continue the current Base Realignment and Closure Round.