The us House of Representatives approved the Water Resources Development Bill on November 6, after Republicans joined Democrats challenging president George W Bush.

The 361-54 verdict, well over the two-thirds majority, is the first override of Bush's presidential veto. Bush vetoed the us $23.2-billion measure on November 2, calling it "too costly' and lacking "fiscal discipline'.

The House voted in favour of the bill in August this year, following which the Senate cleared it in September. Supporters say the bill authorizes 950 projects that will boost the nation's maritime commerce. It also ensures projects such as rebuilding the Gulf Coast after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and building flood-control measures nationwide.