Richard Nixon: “I call upon all Americans to honor clergymen of all faiths, in this country and abroad, by appropriate ceremonies and…”

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.

Two weeks ago, I vowed to the American people that any appropriations bill substantially above my budget for fiscal year 1975 would be vetoed.

And as I leave, let me say, that is an example I think all of us should remember.

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