Political Quotes

“I am opposed to H.R. 2, the Line Item Veto Act. I think it gives any President whether Democrat or Republican far too much power over congressional spending decisions, and I do not believe it would have any significant impact on Federal spending. We have heard a lot in recent weeks about what the voters were telling their Representatives in the last election. What I heard loud and clear was a cry for greater responsibility on the part of each Member of Congress. Our first responsibility as Members of Congress is to be truthful and thorough in making the laws of the land. Unfortunately, H.R. 2 is not truthful about its provisions. Even though this bill is called the Line Item Veto Act, it is not a normal line-item veto bill. Instead, it would give the President the most extreme power to cancel programs and projects. Chairman Clinger himself has characterized the bill as the strongest possible grant of Presidential power. Some have said that it mirrors the line-item veto authority that 43 governors enjoy; but this bill is considerably different. One need only read the committee report to know that. On page 11, it says, and I quote ``H.R. 2 differs fundamentally from the kind of item- veto authority granted to Governors in 43 States.''”