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Senate passes health, education spending bill; Bush threatens veto

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 8, 2007

WASHINGTON - A spending bill with increases long sought by Democrats for education, health and job training programs passed the Senate on Wednesday despite a promised veto.

The $606-billion House-Senate compromise measure, passed 56-37, would be the first of 12 spending bills for the budget year that began Oct. 1 to reach Bush. The veto would be his first of a regular appropriations bill.

The tally was far short of the veto-proof margin that a nearly identical bill earned last month. A roll call of the senators' votes was not available Wednesday.

Now, the labor, health and job training bill heads back to the House for a final vote as early as today and then to Bush.

More than any other spending bill, the education and health measure defines the differences between Bush and majority Democrats.

Since winning re-election, Bush has sought to cut the labor, health and education measure below the prior year level. But lawmakers have rejected the cuts. The budget that Bush presented in February sought almost $4-billion in cuts to this year's bill.

Democrats responded by adding $10-billion to Bush's request for the 2008 bill. The increases cover a broad spectrum of social programs.

House okays ban on job bias against gays

The House on Wednesday approved the first federal ban on job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act came despite protests from some gay rights supporters that the bill does not protect transgender workers. That term covers transsexuals, cross-dressers and others whose outward appearance does not match their gender at birth.

Protections for transgender workers were in the original bill. But Democratic leaders found they would lose support from moderate and conservative Democrats by including transgender employees in the final bill.

The measure would make it illegal for employers to make decisions about hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee based on sexual orientation. It would exempt churches and the military.

After the 235-184 vote, supporters are expecting a tough fight in the narrowly divided Senate.

A veto from Bush is expected if the proposal does pass the Senate. The White House has cited constitutional concerns and said the proposal could trample religious rights.

How they voted

Gay rights

The House voted 235-184 Wednesday to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. A "yes" vote is a vote to pass the bill.

Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm HarborNo Ginny Brown-Waite,

R-Brooksville

No Adam Putnam,

R-Bartow

No C.W. Bill Young,

R-Indian Shores

NoVern Buchanan,

R-Sarasota

No Kathy Castor,

D-Tampa

Yes

Associated Press

[Last modified November 8, 2007, 00:53:22]