Democrat calls for veto of spending bill

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- One of three Democrats crossing party lines to vote against the $447 billion spending bill awaiting President Barack Obama's signature is urging a veto.

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., said he agrees with Republicans who argue the bill would lead to too much spending.

"It's bad for our country's finances," Bayh said. "It's bad for our children because we are going deeper into debt to China. It sets a terrible example by showing that politicians are totally out of touch with the sacrifices middle class Americans are making."

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., joined Bayh in voting against the measure, expressing their disagreement with the spending scope of the omnibus spending bill.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs suggested Obama wasn't entirely happy with the idea of an omnibus bill that has approximately 5,000 earmarks in it.

"It's not perfect," Gibbs said. "The president will continue to make and try to make progress on those issues."

The Senate this weekend passed the $447 billion spending bill, which keeps many government agencies operating for the 2010 fiscal year.

The Republican Congressional Campaign Committee has contacted supporters, highlighting the $1.8 trillion debt-ceiling figure and asking for contributions to "join the fight to rein in uncontrolled spending," The Washington Post reported.

Democrats said the goal of the measure is job creation and deficit reduction but fiscally conservative Democrats in Congress say they prefer initiatives that cut government spending.