Will President Obama kill WOTUS?
Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution that would render the federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule ineffective. In order to keep the WOTUS definition in force President Obama will have to veto the measure.
The rule is widely unpopular among farmers and agriculture industry groups. On the heels of today's vote, Obama has the option of vetoing the disapproval resolution. Congress may then attempt to
override his veto.
Although it's not common for presidents to veto controversial bills during election years, Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) thinks Obama is likely to do just that. If that's the case,
Congress is unlikely to have enough votes to override it.
"They did not [have the votes] in the Senate," says Huelskamp,
referencing the elimination-resolution voting results. "I don't know where the votes will be in the House."
Huelskamp says it will come down to lawmakers deciding where their loyalties lie.
"We are going to have to ask, 'Are you still with the president, or are you against agriculture?'" he says.