    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 12, 1998]
    [Page 218]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the United States District Court Decision on the
    Line Item Veto
    February 12, 1998

        The line item veto provides an important tool for the President to
    strike unnecessary spending and tax items from legislation. Congress
    took the correct step giving the President this authority, and I was
    pleased to sign the line item veto into law. It has worked well, saving
    the American taxpayers more than $1 billion already. Although I am
    disappointed with today's ruling, it is my belief that, ultimately, the
    line item veto will be ruled constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.