My Letter to Senator Leahy

Question for Alito hearings:

The Boston Globe reported that when President Bush signed the new torture ban law, he issued a "signing statement" which quietly reserved the right to bypass the law under his powers as commander in chief.

What effect does this "signing statement" have?


-- I think this is clearly the biggest issue facing us right now. We need a clear picture of Alito's position on this BEFORE he is confirmed. Can the President ignore laws? Can he reserve the right to violate them without consequences through these "signing statements"? Do we have a 3-branch style of government with checks and balances or can 1 branch just take over?

Thank you for your leadership.