Senate approves millions for Miss.

The Clarion-Ledger, 11/8/7

Mississippi senators split on a controversial $550 billion spending bill Wednesday that contains tens of millions of dollars for state colleges and health centers.

After Republicans won a fight to strip money for veterans programs and construction at military bases, the bill was approved 57-36. Sen. Thad Cochran voted to approve the underlying legislation, which would fund several agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Fellow Mississippi Republican Sen. Trent Lott voted against the legislation, which is threatened by a veto because President Bush thinks it’s too expensive.