On the recordMarch 27, 1996
I simply believe that Congress should be extremely chary in yielding its power of the purse to the executive branch. I hold this view on the basis of my Senate service under eight Presidents of both parties during my 35 years in the Senate, and notwithstanding the cordial relationships I have had with all of them. I continue to believe that the executive branch, which under our Constitution, quite properly is a separate power center with its own agenda and its own priorities, inevitably will seek and use any additional power to achieve its objectives. And the pending grant of veto power over specific items, I fear, will surely give even the most benign and well-motivated Chief Executive a new means for exercising undue influence and coercion over individual members of the legislative branch. I hold this view, notwithstanding my loyalty and respect for President Clinton, who I know would use such a grant of authority wisely.
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