Lincoln Chafee: “I join with Senators Frist, McCain, and others as a cosponsor of legislation to establish a Presidential line item veto.…”

“I join with Senators Frist, McCain, and others as a cosponsor of legislation to establish a Presidential line item veto. This is a fiscally prudent measure which could reduce wasteful spending and bring down our Nation's deficit. The proposal would give the President the authority to strike wasteful spending measures from legislation, to ensure that the American taxpayer is not footing the bill for projects that are not national priorities. I applaud President Bush for putting forth this initiative, which would be significant progress in the fight to reduce nonessential spending. Throughout our country's history, the line item veto has enjoyed a long line of bipartisan support, with Presidents such as Ulysses Grant, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton calling for the authority. Additionally, the power has been given to Governors in 43 of the 50 States. I am pleased that the proposed legislation would require the President to send recision proposals back to Congress for final passage. Not only does this make the legislation consistent with the Constitution, it also limits the scope of any President's veto authority, as proposed changes will need congressional approval. I am heartened to see this call for fiscal responsibility from President Bush. I have joined as a cosponsor of this legislation because it will be impossible for us to reduce our national debt and balance the Federal budget unless we curb wasteful spending.…”