    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 16, 1997]
    [Page 1377]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on a Line Item Veto of the Treasury and General Government
    Appropriations Act, 1998
    October 16, 1997

        I have used my line item veto authority today to cancel a provision
    of the 1998 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act that
    provides an open season for certain Federal employees to switch
    retirement systems.
        This line item veto will save $854 million over 5 years by
    preventing a hastily conceived, undebated provision from becoming law.
    In addition, my action will keep agencies from having to reallocate
    another $1.3 billion in limited discretionary resources to pay higher
    retirement benefits, rather than spend it on other priorities, such as
    pay increases, or essential agency needs.
        I did not propose this provision in my 1998 budget, it was not the
    subject of public hearings, and it was not considered by either the
    House or the Senate. Instead, it was added at the end of the legislative
    process, in a House-Senate conference committee. I believe that by
    canceling this provision, I am using my line item veto authority in an
    appropriate manner.
        I am committed to ensure that the Federal Government can recruit and
    retain the quality individuals we need to administer Federal programs. I
    will work with Congress to ensure that our Federal civil servants are
    compensated fairly for the essential work they do for the American
    people.

    Note: The report detailing the cancellation was published in the Federal
    Register on October 17. H.R. 2378, approved October 10, was assigned
    Public Law No. 105-61.