Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide certain line item veto authority to the President.
Impact
If ratified, this amendment would change how the federal budget is managed by allowing the President to modify funding levels for certain programs while leaving the rest of the appropriations intact. This power could enhance the President's role in the budgetary process and potentially reduce the size of federal spending by allowing targeted cuts rather than requiring wholesale cuts dictated by Congress. Such an amendment may streamline the process of budget adjustments and expedite fiscal responses to economic conditions.
Summary
HJR10 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution that would grant the President the authority to exercise a line item veto. This would allow the President to reduce specific appropriations within a bill, effectively altering the funding without needing Congressional approval for the entire bill. The measure is intended to provide the President with greater control over federal spending, which proponents argue would lead to more responsible fiscal management and prevent wasteful expenditures.
Contention
However, the proposal has sparked debate regarding its implications for the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Critics of the line item veto argue that it may undermine Congressional authority, as it gives the President unilateral power to influence budget priorities without legislative consent. Concerns about the potential for political bias in funding decisions have also been raised, as well as fears that the amendment could erode diligent oversight by Congress over federal expenditures.