Editorial: Take back veto threat

Thursday, April 8, 2004 | 8:55 a.m.

It's odd that President Bush's first veto might be used against the new highway bill. Odd, because since he took office, more than 2 million jobs have been lost. While the bill's main purpose is to ease traffic gridlock, it would also represent a chance to create tens of thousands of highway construction jobs.

The Senate approved spending $318 billion for work on the nation's roads and bridges. The House approved $275 billion. They are now meeting to finalize a number somewhere in between. Bush is saying, however, that he will veto the bill if it exceeds $256 billion.

In Nevada, the bill is supported by the three Republicans and two Democrats who comprise our congressional delegation. It would bring more than $1.3 billion to pay for work that is badly needed. We could receive twice that much money and still not meet our true need. The same is true nationally.

But Bush says there is too much "pork" in the House and Senate bills. (Funny, he never mentioned pork in any of the bills he signed benefiting wealthy people.) Yes, Congress members have included parking garages, museum repairs and a few horse trails to gain votes back home. But overwhelmingly the bill focuses on vital infrastructure repairs that would save lives and a great deal of time for motorists -- while creating jobs. The president has a chance to make everyone's commute to work a little easier, and create construction jobs at the same time. He should take it.