    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [June 7, 1995]
    [Pages 829-830]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Line-Item Veto Legislation
    June 7, 1995

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Leader:)
        I am deeply alarmed by today's press report that some Republicans in
    the House and Senate want to continue to hold back the line-item veto so
    that I don't have it during this year's budget process. The line-item
    veto is a vital tool to cut pork from the budget. If this Congress is
    serious about deficit reduction, it must pass the strongest possible
    line-item veto immediately, and send it to my desk so I can sign it
    right away.
        This is not a partisan issue. Presidents Reagan and Bush asked
    Congress for it time and again, and so have I. It was part of the
    Republican Contract with America. It has strong support from members of
    Congress in both parties and both houses. No matter what party the
    President belongs to or what party has a majority in Congress, the line-
    item veto would be good for America.
        If Congress will send me the line-item veto immediately, I am
    willing to pledge that this

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    year, I will use it only to cut spending, not on tax expenditures in
    this year's budget. I have already put you on notice that I will veto
    any budget that is loaded with excessive tax breaks for the wealthy. But
    I need the line-item veto now to hold the line against pork in every
    bill the Congress sends me.
        The American people have waited long enough. Congress should give
    them and the Presidency the line-item veto without further delay.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Bob Dole, Senate majority leader. This letter
    was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary but was not
    issued as a White House press release.