Reagan Vetoes Farm Aid Bill as Irresponsible
President Reagan today vetoed a farm credit relief package hours after it was delivered to the White House from Congress, saying it was irresponsibly expensive and would not have helped farmers.
“I asked Congress to demonstrate courage, hold the line, and match rhetoric with deeds,” Reagan said as he signed the veto message in the Oval Office before television cameras. “Congress failed. . . . I will veto again and again until spending is brought under control.”
The House passed the measure Tuesday 255 to 168 on a largely party-line vote, despite Republican complaints that members were playing politics with the problems of U.S. farmers. Administration officials had warned that Reagan would veto the package, labeling it a “budget buster.”
Leaders of the GOP-controlled Senate have said they have votes to sustain a veto, which takes a two-thirds vote in both houses to overturn.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
