[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 23 (Monday, February 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                             [[Page E275]]

        GOOD BUMPER STICKER SLOGANS DO NOT MEAN GOOD GOVERNMENT

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 1995
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise in strong opposition 
to H.R. 2, the Line Item Veto Act. I urge us to think very clearly 
about the important mechanism of checks and balances that I believe 
will be irreparably damaged if we accept the line item veto.
  Article I of the U.S. Constitution--the only contract we really have 
with America--addresses the duties of Congress. The Founding Fathers 
gave the power of the purse to Congress, and not to the President. Why, 
in their wisdom, did they do so? Constitutionalists will tell us the 
answer lies in the old saying, ``the President proposes, the Congress 
disposes.''
  It is the legislative branch that is charged with dealing with the 
details that are so important to every piece of legislation that we see 
in this, the ``people's Chamber.'' It is tedious and often thankless, 
but it is part of our agreement with each and every American who cast 
their votes for us every 2 years.
  We hear so much talk these days about term limits and how much better 
they would make our legislative process. The President already has term 
limits. Combine that with this line item veto, and what the American 
people will get is a chief executive with unlimited, unchecked power to 
unilaterally pick and choose projects to reject.
  This should not be construed as an attack against the judgment of the 
current President. On this issue, I am strictly nonpartisan. Nothing 
should interfere with the balance of power between the executive and 
legislative branches of Government. I caution us to resist the 
temptation of bumper sticker politics.


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