Bush Channels The Veto Spirit Of His Father
May 3, 2007, 9:23pm
Six years into his presidency, George W. Bush is channeling the veto spirit of his father, former President George H.W. Bush.
Until this week, President Bush had vetoed only one bill. He vetoed his second on Tuesday, rejecting a measure that would have set a timetable for removing U.S. troops from Iraq. And then today, Bush issued a veto threat against a “hate crimes” bill just hours before the Democratic-led House passed it on a 237-180 vote. The legislation would expand the categories of violent acts punishable as hate crimes to those based on the victims’ sexual orientation, gender or disability.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
All of the veto news this week is reminiscent of the presidency of Bush’s father from 1989 to 1993. The elder Bush clashed constantly with the Democrats who had controlled both chambers of Congress for the better part of four decades. He vetoed 44 bills in four years — all but one of which were upheld.
If this week is any indication of what the current President Bush can expect for the remainder of his second term, it could be a long two years.
Categories: Maryland, Georgia, White House, Civil Rights, Gay Rights, Steny Hoyer, Crime, Vetoes, John Lewis
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