[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.