“The President’s threatened veto of this fiscally responsible legislation – which would make critical investments in our nation’s highways, bridges and other infrastructure, as well as housing – is extremely regrettable and transparently political.

           

“The bottom line is, this bipartisan legislation reflects the priorities of the American people – priorities that the President is threatening to reject in a vain attempt to claim that he is fiscally responsible.

           

“Make no mistake, the funding provided in this legislation fits within House Democrats’ budget plan to return the budget to balance by 2012.  Meanwhile, the President is threatening to veto legislation that is $3 billion above his request while demanding that Congress provide another $200 billion for his failing policy in Iraq – all of it added to the deficit, none of it paid for.

           

“Among other things, this conference report provides critical funding for construction of new roads, repairs and improvements.  It would allow us to address deficient bridges; to renew all current housing vouchers and to provide new vouchers for veterans, the disabled and low-income families; to conduct airport modernization and provide safety grants; and to improve pipeline and rail security.  I urge the President to reconsider his veto threat on this important, bipartisan bill.”