Ross said that the critical legislation would authorize $23 billion for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works programs to design, construct, operate and maintain water resource projects across the nation. Such projects in Arkansas’s Fourth District include the Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project and the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation Channel.

“I am proud to join with my colleagues in the House to override the President’s veto of this vital legislation which will invest needed funds into our nation’s infrastructure,” Ross said. “The overwhelming support for this legislation from both sides of the aisle proves that the President is out of touch with the priorities of the American people.”

A two-thirds vote is required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to successfully override a president's veto and enact a law without his signature. The override vote was on the WRDA Conference Report, agreed to by the House and Senate, which the Senate is expected uphold later this week.

“These projects are vital to the economic well-being of numerous communities and businesses throughout Arkansas,” Ross said. “It is time that we begin to invest in America again and this important legislation will provide needed funding for projects that will improve our safety, transportation and sustain much-needed economic growth in South Arkansas.”

Tuesday’s vote was the first time Congress has successfully overridden a veto by President Bush, who has only exercised his veto power five times in his over six years in office.

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