State Department Legislation Vetoed

Complaining that the Republican-led Congress was trying to undermine the White House’s foreign policy authority, President Clinton Friday vetoed a $13 billion State Department authorization bill that would have required substantial spending cuts and would have forced Washington to give more political support to Taiwan.

“This legislation contains many unacceptable provisions that would undercut U.S. leadership abroad and damage our ability to assure the future security and prosperity of the American people,” Clinton said in his veto message to Congress.

“It would also restrict presidential authority needed to conduct foreign affairs and to control state secrets, thereby raising serious constitutional concerns.”

The veto sets up another major election-year fight between Clinton and congressional Republicans.