Statement from Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E)
Executive Director, American Public Health Association
Washington, D.C., Nov. 13, 2007 — “The American Public Health Association (APHA) is dismayed by today’s presidential veto of the Labor-HHS-Education spending bill.
“Along with funding to expand educational opportunities and invest in job training, the bipartisan bill passed by Congress would provide support for core public health programs such as preventing obesity and combating infectious disease, as well as training public health and medical professionals.
“As did his veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program last month, today’s veto demonstrates the president’s severely misguided spending priorities. While refusing to provide basic support for health and wellness, the president did not hesitate in signing a defense spending bill more than three times larger.
“APHA, supported by its thousands of members and professional allies, urges members of Congress to overturn the president’s veto. It is essential that we provide the infrastructure and support necessary to protect our nation’s health.”