Reading Room Document

Constitutional Principles concerning the "Legislative Veto" Issue relating to Possible Statutory Changes in Federal Benefit Programs

The document is a memorandum discussing the legal principles related to the "legislative veto" issue in possible statutory changes in federal benefit programs. The conclusion reached in the document is that the Constitution would not permit Congress to reserve the power to review and override an Executive decision regarding federal benefit adjustments without following the plenary legislative process. The document presents questions about the constitutionality of Congress' power to amend laws related to federal benefit programs and the limitations on Congress' power to override a Presidential decision. It also raises the issue of whether Congress can legally bind the President in matters related to federal benefit programs.

June 9, 1981