Separate Enrollment and Line Item Veto Act of 2006

H.R. 4889, the Separate Enrollment and Line Item Veto Act of 2006, proposes a significant change to how Congress passes spending and tax legislation. The bill would require that every individual spending item, new direct spending program, or limited tax benefit be "enrolled" as a separate bill before being sent to the President. This process is designed to give the President the functional equivalent of a line-item veto, allowing them to sign individual spending items into law while vetoing others, rather than being forced to accept or reject an entire omnibus package.

For the average citizen, this bill aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding how federal funds are allocated. By requiring detailed itemization of spending and tax breaks in committee reports, the bill makes it easier for the public to identify "earmarks" or specific projects funded by taxpayer dollars. Additionally, the bill includes a "sunset" provision, which would automatically end new tax expenditures after 10 years unless Congress votes to renew them, intended to prevent special-interest tax breaks from remaining on the books indefinitely without review.