line-item veto

[ lahyn-ahy-tuhm ]

noun

1. the power of the executive to veto particular items of a bill without having to veto the entire bill.

line-item veto

1. The authority of an executive to veto a specific appropriation in a budget passed by a legislature. Viewing the line-item veto as an effective tactic against pork-barrel legislation , presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush unsuccessfully sought this authority, which many state governors possess, from Congress . Under current law the president must choose between signing or vetoing the entire budget rather than parts (items on budget lines) of it.

Example Sentences

Under the Constitution, of course, there is no line-item veto; a president either signs or vetoes an entire bill.

From The Daily Beast

And we can tackle this problem together, if you pass the line-item veto.

From Project Gutenberg

As Governor, I found this line-item veto was a powerful tool against wasteful or extravagant spending.

From Project Gutenberg

Senator Mattingly has introduced a bill permitting a 2-year trial run of the line-item veto.

From Project Gutenberg

And tonight I ask you to give me what 43 Governors have: Give me a line-item veto this year.

From Project Gutenberg

Give me the same thing 43 governors have--the line-item veto--and let me help you control spending.

From Project Gutenberg