    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 25, 1998]
    [Page 1059]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on the Line Item Veto
    June 25, 1998

        I am deeply disappointed with today's Supreme Court decision
    striking down the line item veto. The decision is a defeat for all
    Americans--it deprives the President of a valuable tool for eliminating
    waste in the Federal budget and for enlivening the public debate over
    how to make the best use of public funds.
        By permitting the President to cancel discretionary spending, new
    entitlement authority, and certain types of tax provisions that benefit
    special interests at the expense of the public interest, the line item
    veto would enable Presidents to ensure that the Federal Government is
    spending public resources as wisely as possible. For 5\1/2\ years, I
    have worked hard to renew our economy by putting America's fiscal house
    in order. In 1993 the budget deficit was projected to be $290 billion;
    today, we have balanced the budget, and it is running a surplus.
    Continued fiscal responsibility is as vital now as the day I took
    office. I am determined to do everything in my power to continue to cut
    wasteful spending, maintain fiscal discipline, and create opportunity
    through continued economic growth.