    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 20, 1997]
    [Page 1624]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1624]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting Line Item Vetoes of the
    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
    Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998
    November 20, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In accordance with the Line Item Veto Act, I hereby cancel the
    dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, as specified in the
    attached reports, contained in the ``Agriculture, Rural Development,
    Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
    1998'' (H.R. 2160). I have determined that the cancellation of these
    amounts will reduce the Federal budget deficit, will not impair any
    essential Government functions, and will not harm the national interest.
    This letter, together with its attachments, constitutes a special
    message under section 1022 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
    Control Act of 1974, as amended.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. H.R.
    2160, approved November 18, was assigned Public Law No. 105-86. The
    reports detailing the cancellations were published in the Federal
    Register on November 24.