Gerald Kleczka: “I also support the rule and will be supporting line item veto authority for the President. I come from Wisconsin. It has…”

“I also support the rule and will be supporting line item veto authority for the President. I come from Wisconsin. It has been in our Constitution for years. Even though the current Governor is now abusing that power, I think it is one which Governors should have and Presidents should have. But I am a little concerned over this rule. I am told it is an open rule, but it is an open rule if, and the 'if' is, if we do not finish by Monday night and wrap this and give it as a birthday present to President Reagan, then we are going to close it. I am saying that is kind of phony symbolism. I do not know. We could be done before Monday or early Monday on this proposition, but what I am told and what the rumor mill around here is that it is open but we cannot go past Monday night because then we go past President Reagan's birthday. I am saying if in fact that is how we are going to legislate with that type of phony symbolism, then what bill do we pass on President Ford's wedding anniversary? Have you selected that yet? And if amendments are pending, do we have to stop talking? How about President Nixon's confirmation date? I am assuming there is some legislation that has been pegged to hit on that date and not an hour later.”