NCLB: Act II

President Bush today said that he would veto a version of NCLB that he doesn't like. It's the first time he's used the threat.

"Any effort to weaken No Child Left Behind Act will get a presidential veto," he said at a town hall meeting in Rogers, Ark. "I believe this piece of legislation is important, and I believe it's hopeful, and I believe it's necessary to make sure we got a educated group of students who can compete in the global economy when they get older."

Later at the event, he said he would veto appropriations bills this year. He didn't mention NCLB or any other specific program. As I've written before, it's a good bet NCLB will play a role in what the president predicts will be a "fiscal showdown."