Error stalls Congressional Override of Bush Veto

It was discovered that the version of the Farm Bill sent to President Bush (and subsequently vetoed by him) was missing 34 pages from the originally-passed legislation.

As a result, the House override of the veto is negated, and, it is now necessary for Congress to “re-pass” the bill in order to send a complete copy for the President to review (and, presumably, veto again).

The Farm Bill, while popular in Congress, is not supported by the White House and has gotten bad press for being too expensive and having outrageous subsidy provisions. However, the majority of the funding for the legislation is intended for nutritional and environmental causes.

Democrat leaders, although a bit embarrassed, are hoping for a re-vote on the bill today (Thursday) and to maintain the overwhelming support necessary to defeat (another) a likely veto.

Some Republicans are stepping back and suggesting (as is the White House) that this is an opportunity to revisit the bill and address some of its more controversial provisions.