[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Page 510]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the District Court Decision Striking Down the Line Item 
Veto

April 11, 1997

    I firmly believe that the lower court has ruled incorrectly in 
striking down this landmark line item veto legislation. I continue to 
believe that the line item veto--a power exercised by 43 Governors--is 
an important tool for the President to strike wasteful spending and tax 
items from legislation. The last Congress took the right step in 
enacting this important tool, and I was very pleased to sign it into 
law.

    The Solicitor General has reviewed the decision and has authorized 
an immediate appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The Solicitor 
General intends to ask the Supreme Court to expedite the consideration 
of the appeal and to schedule argument in June so that the case can be 
decided before the conclusion of the Court's term at the end of June.

    This action has my strong support. It is my hope that it will result 
in an expedited ruling that clears up any confusion.