Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Unchain the Lawyers

The Iraq War funding bill could open a new front on the President's signing statements.

President Bush has attached the statements to express his understanding of how a bill he signs into law should be enforced. Democrats argue the President effectively changes the law they voted on every time he does that. And he's done that hundreds of times. He's expected to issue a statement that any restrictions on Iraq War spending is only "advisory" and that he's not required to follow it.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) says it may be time for Congress to take the President to the courts. But The Hill reports that could be difficult.

Congress would first have to show the President is willfully ignoring a bill he's signed into law. The catch: It appears Congress can simply vote themselves "standing" -- with a Resolution the President doesn't have to sign. (The Hill)

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