Obama Issues Signing Statement On War Spending BIll

On Friday, President Obama signed a new war spending bill into law, but "not without taking a page from his predecessor and ignoring a few elements in the legislation," the Hill reports.

Obama included a five-paragraph signing statement with the bill, including a final paragraph that outlined his objections to at least four areas of the bill.

President George W. Bush was heavily criticized for his use of signing statements, declaring he'd ignore some elements of legislation by invoking presidential prerogative.

The Obama administration announced in the statement it would disregard provisions of the legislation that, among other things, would compel the Obama administration to pressure the World Bank to strengthen labor and environmental standards and require the Treasury department to report to Congress on the activities of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The full text of Obama's statement is below, and available on the White House website here.

* * * * *

Today I have signed into law H.R. 2346, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009." This Act provides the necessary resources for our troops while supporting ongoing diplomatic and development efforts around the world.

We face a security situation abroad that demands urgent attention. The Taliban is resurgent and al Qaeda is increasing its attacks from its safe haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The funding provided in this Act will ensure that the full force of the United States is engaged in an overall effort to defeat al Qaeda and uproot this safe haven.

At the same time, funding contained in this Act will provide resources to help create political and economic stability in post-conflict areas. These funds will assist Afghans and Iraqis in protecting and sustaining their infrastructure and building their capacity for more responsive and transparent governance. The Act also provides critical support for continued U.S. diplomatic and development activity in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

In addition, this Act includes funding for other domestic and international issues, including nearly $8 billion to enhance our Nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of the H1N1 flu outbreak. It also expands the resources available to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by allowing it to boost its lending ability. Many developing countries are experiencing severe economic decline and a massive withdrawal of capital, and the IMF needs to make sure it has the resources necessary to effectively respond to the current financial crisis.

However, provisions of this bill within sections 1110 to 1112 of title XI, and sections 1403 and 1404 of title XIV, would interfere with my constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations by directing the Executive to take certain positions in negotiations or discussions with international organizations and foreign governments, or by requiring consultation with the Congress prior to such negotiations or discussions. I will not treat these provisions as limiting my ability to engage in foreign diplomacy or negotiations.

Comments

[manny127]

hmm
so now pres obama can ignore laws he deems unconstitutional unless, of course, they apply to the homos

in which case, "the law's the law" and there's nothing he can do about it..etc..etc..

awesome "logic" obama

[amenophisX]

Care to see what else Prez Erkle is about to spring on the middle class? OK, then click on, http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/ss_politics0499_06_24.asp

[research]

Congress has the power of the purse, including specifying the terms of the IMF 8B$ unnecessary money.

Every action Obama has taken has favored the bankers of the people.

What's worst about this one is the lie Obama is telling about his reasons for removing the Audit requirement from the IMF.

Wake up. Kucinich was very clear about it.

http://www.progress.org/cong.htm

The IMF is a nasty dictator supporting, austerity program supporting, reduced works right, reduced environmental laws, read up on it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Monetary_Fund

Stop repeating the constitutional powers excuse, it's wrong and irrelevant. Have the requirement fo an Audit from the IMF IMPROVES Obamas negotiating power with them, if that's what he wanted.

Obama seems to be bought and paid for by the bankers.

[LunaPark]

You are spot on.

[kozy]

It may be that in the bigger picture a looming worldwide economic depression is a good possiblitity, and Obama doesn't want his hands tied in dealing with China and other countries that collectively OWN the USA via their Treasury Department debt holdings. I don't believe it means he is suddenly abandoning labor and environmental standards. It is simply that you can't very well dictate standards to your owner.

[blueskybigstar]

If they knew we could not pay it back, they should not have loaned it to us. Obama better work for an adjustment, a compromise in the loan agreement.

[blueskybigstar]

You play on a very slippery slope, Obama.

The bigger picture here is understood if only to go back into recent history and understand how our trade laws have not only hurt our economy, but the human rights and the ecology of other countries. Some people suggest that Clinton was blackmailed (Newsmaxx or whatever it is called) that is why he gave so many state secrets to China and gave them most favored trade status and allowed them to join the WTO.

My question is how different would the world be in Tibet and Uygher area of China if we demand that human rights and good ecology be practiced before we trade with a country? How different would things be here?

I am uncomfortable with how comfortable you are in taking away the rights of Congress and increasing your own power.

[CopeNagin]

The more things change you can believe in, the more they remain the same.

[Kassandra]

Here, if this doesn't wake you up, nothing will:
Obama contemplates Executive Order for detention without charges
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2009/06/27/preventive_detention/

In case you don't know it, that order has been applied to American citizens. Padilla is one....suing Rumsfeld as we speak.

I also have noticed that NSDP 51 hasn't been rescinded either

[blueskybigstar]

I think he is now dismissing reports on this.

[blueskybigstar]

Thank you. We need to watch closely. Nothing feels Kosher.

[Kassandra]

Thank YOU , too.

[lj9283]

In case you didn't know the White House has denied that story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ivlhJ7LIrQBkZolFoEQp7bzFjPkQ

[teasley]

It really doesn't matter wheather you agree with Obama or not . "George Bush was heavily criticized" for doing this. Where is the criticizm for Obama doing the same thing. Do I once again sense hypocricy?

[Kassandra]

Its' all over the place. Start from the beginning and read the Real Left's attitude.

[blueskybigstar]

I guess you haven't been reading the comments.

[Garee]

I fail to see how being against strengthening labor or environmental standards would be harmful to the US. I thought we were trying to create a level field for US business and manufacturing. Improving labor conditions and pollution control are two ways this might be accomplished.

It makes you suspect ALL politicians are not really acting in the best interests of this country, but might be listening to special interest groups whose only interests are in their pocketbooks.

[joanjourne]

Well I don't know...I'm no genius...but it seems that this piece may distort Obama's intent. He says:
"...I will not treat these provisions as limiting my ability to engage in foreign diplomacy or negotiations."
What's bad about that? Yes, it can be abused, but it hinges on whether the man is honorable & ethical, a question on which my jury is still out.

[GOPonEllisDee]

Cool, I haven't seen so many plsssed off Jesus Camp N@zis since the movie. Get over it.

[richmanpoorman]

He should grow some and use the veto. That is what the president is supposed to do to.

Coward. Just like all of them.

[957]

Obama is becoming a Bush- lite

[Paisano]

Bushbama strikes again!!!!

[Peacein09]

Makes sense: Obama is not willing to support fair labor practices here so why should he accept responsibility for making free trade fair trade abroad? I haven't heard anything about the employee free choice act in weeks. A friendly dictator and tyrant is often far worse than one who is clearly out to shaft the 95% of us who make under $250,000 a year.

[Kassandra]

Point taken.