July 19, 1982
Yesterday I signed a supplemental appropriations bill, H.R. 6685, which will continue funding for
numerous Federal agencies and programs which need the money on an urgent basis. While I do
not believe this bill goes far enough to reduce spending, it does represent significant improvement
over two previous proposals.
Since last April, I have vetoed two supplemental funding bills because appropriations were far too
high -- H.R. 5922 and H.R. 6682. Both of these vetoes were sustained, and in the wake of these
vetoes, the Congress went back to work and slimmed down spending plans. Altogether, this
process of vetoes and reconsideration by the Congress has saved the taxpayers more than $3.6
billion.
While we still have a long way to go before reining in the budget monster, the restraint and
compromise in this bill bring us one step closer to control. Under the circumstances, I consider
this action a sound economic measure and a victory for the American taxpayer over runaway
Federal spending.
Note: As enacted, H.R. 6685 is Public Law 97 - 216, approved July 18.