WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives, in a strong bipartisan effort, this evening passed H.R. 2, the Line Item Veto Act, which was co-sponsored by Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN). The vote was 294 to 134.
The bill gives the President the authority to rescind all or part of any discretionary budget authority, or to veto any targeted tax benefit that has been passed by the Congress and signed into law, if he determines that taking such action would help reduce the Federal budget deficit, would not impair any essential Government functions, and will not harm the national interest.
"The people asked us to give the president this authority, and I am pleased Congress has finally agreed," Peterson said. "I co-sponsored this legislation because I believe it will cut down on the amount of pork and extraneous items being slipped in by Congress.
"Some have argued that this legislation shifts the balance of power too far in the president's direction, but I would have to disagree," Peterson said. "Instead, I feel like this is the best way to cut down on adding unrelated items into important bills because it's the only way they can pass."