WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today condemned President Bush's veto of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education 2008 spending bill, which included nearly $10 million in critical funding for Maryland medical facilities and education programs at the State's community colleges and higher education institutions.  The legislation also increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Aging, the National Cancer Institute, priority nurse training facilities and seniors programs, and $16.46 billion in student financial aid.

“President Bush continues to spend billions of dollars every week to pay for the War in Iraq, while at the same time cutting funding to support the everyday needs of Americans here at home,” said Senator Mikulski.  “The President is out of touch with the needs of Americans.”

“Higher education continues to be a dream instead of a reality for too many.  Our hospitals and caregiving institutions can’t get the funding they need to provide care for the patients who need their services so badly.  Yet, President Bush has vetoed a bill that would have provided a much-need save for America's nursing shortage, which affects patients at home and our troops at war,” said Senator Mikulski, who also serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.  “I will continue to fight with my Democratic colleagues to make the American public’s priorities, the American government’s priorities.”

“I am very disappointed by the President’s veto of this bill because it contains key funding for domestic programs and sets important national priorities,” said Senator Cardin. “This veto should be a signal to Americans that health care, funding for education, and programs for seniors are not a priority for this Administration.”