VETO THREAT #5

Continuing his combative stance toward the Republican-controlled Congress, President Clinton said he would "happily and gladly" veto the House-passed revisions of the Clean Water Act. Calling it the "Dirty Water Act," the President portrayed the legislation as the legislation of "the lawyers and lobbyists who represent the polluters." Bud Shuster (R-Pa.), the bill's primary sponsor, shot back: "It's pretty evident the president is reading off a script handed him by environmental extremists." At issue are provisions of theHouse bill that would ease pollution controls on industry, restrict wetlands protection,and give local officials more say in meeting water quality standards. The Senate version is expected to be more moderate.