Political Quotes

“I quote from President Ronald Reagan's final State of the Union Address on January 25, 1988. He said at that time, Let's help ensure our future of prosperity by giving the President a tool that, though I will not get to use it, is one that I know future Presidents of either party must have. Give the President the same authority that 43 Governors use in their states: the right to reach into massive appropriation bills, pare away the waste, and enforce budget discipline. Let's approve the line item veto. We have the opportunity, hopefully by Monday, to pass that important legislation to reduce wasteful spending. On Monday it will be former President Ronald Reagan's birthday. The line-item veto, together with a balanced budget amendment, constitutes the Fiscal Responsibility Act pledged by Republicans in the Contract With America. These two measures will work together to restore fiscal responsibility to an out-of-control Congress. Every year, ridiculous projects and tax benefits are buried in appropriation bills and tax bills. It is clear from the writings of Madison and Hamilton in the Federalist Papers that the Framers intended a two-branch review of all laws, including appropriations. The line-item veto will restore the constitutional system of checks and balances over each individual appropriation, preventing future Congresses from effectively eliminating the President's veto authority through creative legislative packaging.”