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Letter to Representatives opposing H.R. 4890, the "Legislative Line Item Veto Act"

June 20, 2006

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I urge you to oppose H.R. 4890, the "Legislative Line Item Veto Act", which would grant the President new enhanced powers to influence, delay, and/or cancel congressional budget and tax decisions. AFSCME is concerned that H.R. 4890's broad expedited procedures shift too much power from Congress to the Executive Branch, thereby undermining Congress' role in crafting budget and tax policies.

There is no need to grant the President more power over federal budget and tax policies. The President already has the authority to propose rescissions and regularly utilizes it. The President and his staff frequently use a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) to communicate the Administration's stance on congressional budget legislation and to recommend specific program spending levels. Just recently, President Bush threatened to veto Congress' emergency supplemental spending bill if its costs exceeded the President's goal.

Similarly, Congress already has an established deliberative process to enact a budget. While there are varied proposals that might strengthen this process, H.R. 4890 is unlikely to achieve the legislation's main goal — reduced spending. It is clearly in the purview of Congress to make decisions on spending and tax policies. Congress should retain its own decision-making over such issues, including earmarks, discretionary spending, and entitlement programs.

AFSCME is extremely concerned about the impact any new line-item veto power will have on schools, health care, job training, and other vital public services which have already been unfairly targeted for cuts. Imposing one-sided PAYGO rules which only apply to spending without addressing taxes, which have contributed mightily to our rising deficit, is unfair. Therefore, AFSCME favors two-sided PAYGO governing both budget and tax decisions. Without these in place, H.R. 4890 on its own will not address the issues of inadequate investment in vital public services, record federal deficits, and unfair tax policies.

AFSCME has consistently opposed the line-item veto in the past and remains opposed today. We urge you to vote to oppose H.R. 4890.

Sincerely,

Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation   

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