    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 11, 1997]
    [Page 432]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the District Court Decision Striking Down the
    Line Item Veto
    April 11, 1997

        I firmly believe that the lower court has ruled incorrectly in
    striking down this landmark line item veto legislation. I continue to
    believe that the line item veto--a power exercised by 43 Governors--is
    an important tool for the President to strike wasteful spending and tax
    items from legislation. The last Congress took the right step in
    enacting this important tool, and I was very pleased to sign it into
    law.
        The Solicitor General has reviewed the decision and has authorized
    an immediate appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The Solicitor
    General intends to ask the Supreme Court to expedite the consideration
    of the appeal and to schedule argument in June so that the case can be
    decided before the conclusion of the Court's term at the end of June.
        This action has my strong support. It is my hope that it will result
    in an expedited ruling that clears up any confusion.