Richard Nixon: “By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 5711 (b) of title 10 of the United States Code, it is ordered as…”

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.

This legislation exceeds my budgetary recommendations by such a large amount--some $540 million--that it presents a clear and distinct threat to our fight against inflation and cannot be accepted.

This was a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which I deeply regret.

My mother was a saint.