"I'm afraid the promise the president made ...to rebuild and restore New Orleans) ... comes across as hollow today."

Levees, coastal projects at risk | Bush threatens to veto costly bill | Thursday, August 02, 2007 | By Bill Walsh

WASHINGTON -- In a sharp and unexpected blow to Louisiana, President Bush threatened Wednesday to veto long-awaited legislation that would enhance hurricane protection along a Gulf Coast still struggling to recover from the devastating storms of two years ago.

House and Senate negotiators struck a bargain late last week on a $21 billion reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act, with about 20 percent going to projects in Louisiana. The measure has broad support and is expected to get final passage this week before lawmakers leave for the month long August recess, and is expected to pass by veto-proof margins.

In a strong bipartisan vote, the House passed the bill 381-40.
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Bush had made no secret of his concerns over the water bill, issuing two statements this spring raising objections to the spending levels. However, his veto threat took even those in his own party by surprise, particularly given his promises to improve hurricane protection around New Orleans.

"Considering the well-publicized criticism of the way the administration handled this (Hurricane Katrina) disaster, I'm stunned," said Sen. David Vitter, R-La., who vowed to "work enthusiastically" to override a veto. "I'm afraid the promise the president made to the nation in Jackson Square (to rebuild and restore New Orleans and the coast) comes across as hollow today." ...