Specter proposes challenge of Bush's power on laws

Specter proposes challenge of Bush's power on laws - Yahoo! News

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record) introduced legislation on Wednesday to challenge
President George W. Bush's assertion that he can bypass sections of bills that he signs into law.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Specter's bill would empower
Congress bring to federal court lawsuits to test the
constitutionality of Bush's signing statements, which the
president has appended to several bills he has signed.

In the statements, Bush has reserved the right not to
enforce certain provisions of laws if he believes they impinge
on his authority or interpretation of the Constitution.

Under the Constitution, Congress passes bills and the
president may either sign or veto them, and give lawmakers an
opportunity to override any veto.

"This bill does not seek to limit the president's power,
and this bill does not seek to expand Congress' power," Specter
said. "Rather, this bill simply seeks to safeguard our
Constitution."

The legislation is expected to have broad support among
Democrats, who have accused Bush of a power grab. Yet many
Republicans have voiced objections, suggesting it may not get
very far.