Why are line-item vetoes controversial?

Line-item vetoes are controversial primarily because critics contend that they grant excessive power to the President, which can undermine the legislative process. The line-item veto allows the President to selectively reject individual provisions of a bill, particularly spending items, while approving the rest. This capability can shift the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, as it enables the President to effectively alter legislation passed by Congress without the need for legislative approval on those specific items.

The concern is that such power could lead to the executive overstepping its bounds and diminishing Congress’s authority to make budgetary decisions. Lawmakers fear that the threat of a line-item veto could pressure them into altering legislation or making concessions to the President, thereby compromising the independence and effectiveness of the legislative branch.

In contrast, while some may argue about the need for congressional approval in managing such vetoes or that they could reduce presidential influence over whole budgets, these arguments do not capture the primary issue at hand, which is the perceived shift in power dynamics. Additionally, the fact that line-item vetoes are seldom used does not inherently contribute to their controversy; instead, it's the implications of their potential use that are seen as problematic.