    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 16, 2006]
    [Page 490]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Members of Congress
    March 16, 2006

        It's been my pleasure to host Republicans and Democrats from both
    the House and the Senate here to talk about budget reform. We're talking
    about the way to--for the executive branch and the legislative branch to
    work in a cooperative fashion to help make sure that the appropriations
    bills we pass are--meet priorities, that they are--that the process is
    transparent, that we're able to say to the American people, ``We care
    about how we spend your money.''
        Part of the budget reform process is a line-item veto. I want to
    thank the Members here who have come, who have offered not only
    constructive advice but practical applications of the line-item veto so
    that it becomes law. And I listened carefully to some constructive
    suggestions from both Republicans and Democrats as to how to get a piece
    of legislation passed. The American people expect all of us from both
    parties to work diligently as to how we spend their money. And one way
    that we can earn the confidence of the people is to pass a line-item
    veto.
        And again, I want to thank the Members for being here. It means a
    lot that people from both parties are here. I particularly want to thank
    my opponent in the 2004 campaign, Senator Kerry,
    for being here. I can remember on the campaign trail, he said that he
    supported a line-item veto, and he is following through on his word by
    being here at the table. I'm proud you're here, Senator.
        Thank you all for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 10 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House.