Statement on Signing a Continuing Resolution

Statement on Signing a Continuing Resolution

September 30, 2002

Today I have signed into law H.J. Res. 111, a short-term continuing
resolution for FY 2003. The resolution provides appropriations for
continuing projects and activities of the Federal Government through
October 4, 2002. It ensures that Government operations continue without
interruption at their current operating level, creates no new programs,
and contains no increases in spending.
Section 117 of the continuing resolution purports to prohibit all
executive branch agencies from spending any funds made available under
the continuing resolution ``in violation of section 501 of title 44,
United States Code.'' That section would require executive branch
agencies to procure printing from the Government Printing Office, a
legislative branch entity. The longstanding position of the executive
branch, memorialized in a May 1996 opinion by the Department of Justice,
is that this language violates the constitutional principles of
separation of powers and therefore is not binding on the executive
branch. [See Memorandum from Walter Dellinger, Assistant Attorney
General, to Emily C. Hewitt, General Counsel, General Services
Administration, May 31, 1996.]
My Administration will continue to work with the Congress to ensure
that sound fiscal principles are adhered to as we complete action on the
FY 2003 appropriations bills.
George W. Bush
The White House,
September 30, 2002.