Signing statements are unconstitutional


To The Editor: The American Bar Association established a bipartisan task force to study signing statements and the "separation of powers" doctrine contained in the U.S. Constitution.

Essentially, the report states that the current president is guilty of violating his oath "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." To correct this situation, the ABA made four specific recommendations to both the president and Congress. (Full report available online.)

In an attempt to gain more executive power over the judicial and legislative branches, all bills from Congress "are routed through Vice President Cheney's office to be searched for perceived threats to the 'unitary executive.'"

The task force's position: The theory of "unitary executive" is in direct conflict with the doctrine of "separation of powers" as defined in the Constitution and has no basis in law. The Constitution offers the president two options when he receives a bill from Congress, sign or veto it.

Other presidents limited their use of signing statements. President Bush has signed into law more than 800 bills passed by Congress, only to privately issue presidential signing statements, effectively invalidating the laws he just publicly signed.

This is more than all previous presidents combined!

Neb Conner



Comments are currently unavailable on this article

▲ Return to Top