Veto of Public Works Bill Survives House Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The House yesterday narrowly voted to sustain President Carter's veto of the $10.2 billion energy and water development bill.

The 223-190 roll call vote followed intense lobbying efforts by administration officials and bids for public support from both sides.

Carter wrote a personal note to each member of Congress, appealing for support of his veto of the bill, and aides made phone calls up to the time of the vote.

House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill (D-Mass.) said yesterday Carter's firm stand will hamper passage of his energy proposals.

O'Neill and Senate Democratic leader Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) said no attempt will be made to rewrite the public works bill before Congress adjourns October 14. But he added that a follow-up resolution would guarantee financing for existing projects, while new ones included in the bill will wait until next year.

Carter vetoed the bill "in the name of fiscal responsibility" and warned Congress he would continue to veto what he considers "wasteful legislation."

The bill, Carter's sixth veto, contained $6.1 billion for the Department of Energy and down payments on 53 water projects, six of which Carter attempted to veto last year.

Carter stated in his veto message that "each bit of additional spending always looks small and unimportant against the total federal budget," adding that Congress and the executive branch "must recognize that there is no one single dramatic act which will control the budget."

Leaders of both parties opposed the veto and an override seemed certain but White House press secretary Jody Powell said yesterday prior to the vote that "the people will believe the president has done the right thing" regardless of the outcome.