    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 14, 1997]
    [Page 1367]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting Line Item Vetoes of the
    Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998
    October 14, 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 ``Department of Defense
    Appropriations Act, 1998'' (Public Law 105-56; H.R. 2266). 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, constitute a special message under
    section 1022 of the Congressional Budget and Compoundment 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. The
    reports detailing the cancellations were published in the Federal
    Register on October 15.