Senator Sherrod Brown

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement after the Senate voted to override the presidential veto of the Water Resource Development Act. Brown presided over the Senate during the 107th Veto Override in the nation’s history. The first veto override, in 1845, was over military equipment funding when President John Tyler bypassed Congress and attempted to make purchases without Congressional approval.

“Today, the Senate voted to stand up to the president and for economic development in our country. This year has seen the president veto legislation that would bring our troops home, promote lifesaving stem cell research, and would provide health insurance for our nation’s low income children. He is on the wrong side of our nation’s priorities. The president’s veto of the WRDA bill prevented desperately needed funding from making it to Ohio for flood mitigation efforts and initiatives for the Great Lakes.

“I applaud my colleagues for their resolve in reminding the president that the Senate is an equal branch of government. Because of the unity demonstrated today in the Senate the WRDA bill is now law. Communities across our nation will get the economic development funding they need. Today’s vote was for middle class families everywhere.”

-- U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown