Obama to Seek Line-Item Veto Power to Trim Spending From Bills

[Better Believe It]

Obama to Seek Line-Item Veto Power to Trim Spending From Bills
By JACKIE CALMES
May 6, 2010

WASHINGTON — President Obama, in his latest effort to signal fiscal responsibility against the rising debt, plans this month to ask Congress to give him and future presidents greater power to try to delete individual items from spending bills.

In doing so, Mr. Obama will join a long line of his predecessors who have sought either line-item veto power or, after the Supreme Court in 1998 ruled such a veto unconstitutional, some other rescission authority that passes muster. Congress once again is unlikely to be receptive, though growing antidebt sentiment could give the proposal life.

Before Congress breaks for its Memorial Day recess, the White House will send it proposed legislation “to give the president a new tool to reduce unnecessary or wasteful spending,” according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Under Mr. Obama’s proposed legislation to expedite and strengthen the process in a president’s favor, Congress would have to vote on any rescissions.

“This new, enhanced rescission authority not only will empower the president and the Congress to eliminate unnecessary spending, but also discourage waste in the first place,” the official said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/us/politics/07veto.html?ref=us

[tekisui]

1. It isn't actually a line-item veto.

Which is unconstitutional. It is recommendations for changes that would be sent back to Congress and have to be passed in both chambers, without amendments.

It is a greater involvement in the process, but not a line-item veto.

[wtmusic]

2. Thanks for clarification

Although tacking on provisions to legislation has gotten way out of hand, this sounds complicated and time-consuming. Time-consumption has also gotten way out of hand.

[Scuba]

3. Thanks for clarification. Line item veto is bad idea.

Can you imagine what Tommy Thompson was able to do with it here in Wisconsin. Case study in why it doesn't work. Cut schools, build prisons.

[Baalath]

4. Would it be a bad idea if dems lost control of congress?

just saying, might feel differently then.

[tekisui]

5. Yes, it would still be a bad idea.

And, it would still be unconstitutional.