The Line-item Veto

This would be a good time to introduce legislation for a Presidential line-item veto. I see three main reasons why the time could be right for this change.

1. Bush is a lame duck and the bill could stipulate that it would not go into effect until the next President takes office.

2. The “porkbusters” movement is gaining strength on both sides of the aisle. A line-item veto would be perhaps the most powerful weapon in controlling pork barrel spending. I would imagine that a line-item veto would have tremendous support among those who are for governmental fiscal responsibility.

3. The last time I can recall a strong push for a line-item veto was when Reagan was President and there was strong pushback from the Democrats because they saw it as a tool for Republicans since Reagan appeared to be building a Republican Presidential juggernaut.

At the very least forcing a vote on a line-item veto could help frame the discussion about who is serious about controlling government spending versus those who want to use the taxes of the people for personal political gain. A vote against a line-item veto could very well be the most damaging mark against any politician heading into the 2008 elections.

Don't be surprised if Bush raises the possibility of a line-item veto again in tonight's speech.