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ABA President H. Thomas Wells Jr. Speaks Out Against Presidential Signing Statements
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 21, 2008 – The United States of America is a uniquely strong country because we ensure no one branch of government has too much power. That’s why we are disappointed that last week the administration issued two signing statements that ignore this fundamental principle.
Soon, a new president will be signing legislation into law. We urge both presidential candidates to respect our Constitution and resist using signing statements as a substitute for either negotiation with Congress or exercise of veto power. By respecting the separation of powers, our next president will affirm both the power and the responsibility of the executive branch to faithfully execute the laws of the land.
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H. Thomas Wells, Jr., president of the American Bar Association, is a partner with Maynard, Cooper and Gale in Birmingham, Alabama.
Media Contact: Stephanie Ortbals-Tibbs, 202/662-1091 or ortbals-tibbss@staff.abanet.org
