Stabenow Reaction to President Bush's Veto of 2008 Food, Conservation and Energy Act
Press Release
Stabenow Reaction to President Bush's Veto of 2008 Food, Conservation and Energy Act
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today made the following statement regarding her disapproval of President Bush's veto of the 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, which includes funding for nutrition and food assistance programs, makes critical investments in alternative energy, protects Michigan lakes and waterways, and supports growers of specialty crops.
"Today's veto of the 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act is a major disappointment and provides another example of just how out of touch this President is with middle-class families throughout Michigan and across this country. Despite the support of a strong bipartisan majority in both the House and the Senate, this President has once again misguidedly exercised his veto pen to reject legislation that benefits American farmers, businesses and families.
"This veto rejects over $10 billion in new funding for nutrition and food assistance programs, and denies over 81,000 students in Michigan schools and nearly 3 million children nationwide increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. President Bush has also turned a blind eye to our specialty crop growers, who grow the fruits and vegetables that keep America healthy and are a major part of Michigan's agricultural economy.
"This President has said no' to real investments in alternative energy and conservation efforts, denying tax incentives for the development and production of cellulosic fuel and approximately $1.5 billion in biofuel and alternative energy funding. This veto also rejects funding to implement the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, which helps protect our Great Lakes, and refuses to expand critical programs to conserve land, protect wildlife habitats, and restore our wetlands.
"As a member of the House and Senate Conference Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee, I fought hard for this legislation and will continue to work with my fellow colleagues to successfully override this veto and ensure that this important legislation becomes law."
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