NJ Gov. Christie vetoes Port Authority Reform bill

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Republican Gov. Chris Christie has rejected legislation that overhauls the powerful Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Christie on Monday conditionally vetoed the measure passed by the Democrat-led Legislature in April.

Christie says the legislation would insulate union members from inspector general fraud investigations and require costly engineering audits for capital projects over $500 million.

Instead he is recommending that lawmakers adopt a bill similar to one already enacted in New York and proposed in New Jersey by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr.

The bills are similar, though the Democratic bill Christie rejected called for legislative oversight of the agency.

Democratic lawmakers called the veto disappointing.

It's unclear whether lawmakers will take up Christie's recommendations.