13. Problems with the Line Item Veto

.... For generations, American Presidents have requested a Line-item veto with its prudent advantages:

The Line-Item veto would be a tool to curb pork-barrel spending and would address the abuse of earmarks.
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Because it allows distinctions, it would better define the president’s political views.
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It would save national embarrassment and restore public confidence in the political process.

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.... But the concept of a Line-Item veto has problems from a Congressional view:

The Line-Item veto would shift power from the Legislative to the Executive branch.
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It would offer the president a moral victory over Congress, which cannot seem to keep its own house in order.
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The Line-Item veto would require a Constitutional amendment, which would be difficult to obtain. And it would be equally difficult to adjust or eliminate the procedure if problems followed.

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.... The President’s requests and the Congressional interests have always resulted in a standoff. However, there is a common sense solution made possible by new technology, which we will discuss in our next posting.
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.... For the next section in this introduction, click HERE. To study the concept in depth, click HERE.