Watchdog group sues to reverse U.S spending-cut bill (unconstitutional)

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-03-21T174730Z_01_N21326718_RTRIDST_0_ECONOMY-CONGRESS-LAWSUIT.XML

WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - A congressional watchdog group filed a suit on Tuesday in federal court challenging the constitutionality of a $39 billion spending-cut law that passed each chamber of Congress in different forms.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the president signs into law only bills that are passed in identical form by both chambers.

"We have filed a lawsuit against the Bush administration for trying to sign into law something that is unconstitutional," said Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook.

In early February, President George W. Bush signed the controversial budget bill into law, carrying out conservative Republicans' campaign to cut domestic programs including federal health care for the poor and elderly.

<snip>

Shortly after Bush signed the bill, the Senate passed legislation that Republican leaders hoped would clear up the confusion. The legislative fix stated that the version signed by Bush reflected "the intent of the Congress in enacting the bill into law." The House never took up that bill.

...more...

[Critters2]

1. I think it's cute

that there are people who still believe they can use constitutional arguments against this government.

[Mrspeeker]

2. yeah great point

as the constitution is being rewritten at this very moment to say that bills can change from house to house because of the national security threat of terrorism and the president can add more stuff to these bills because he is fighting for freedom and democracy...in Iraq LOL

[rodeodance]

3. I hope the leaders (Frist and Hasturd) are NAMED in this suit!

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. The real question is...

Why the (censored) (also censored) is it a watchdog group defending the Constitution and not those (this is censored, too) (censored again) (way censored) people we sent to Congress to represent the people?

If any Congresscritters do not speak out and take action, are they in violation of their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution? Does anyone in this country really give a rat's ass about what is going on anymore?

[SpiralHawk]

5. "Mercury is Retrograde in Pisces until March 25 *""

And now pResident AWOL feels the screwup...If only he had listened to me. Wait till Saturn starts squatting again on his First House Planets. Oh me oh my."

- Channeled from the Ghost of Ronald Reagan's Astrologer

[KoKo]

6. Good News! Thanks for the Heads Up, UIA's.

I was hoping some group would take this to court. Another illegal Republican scheme gets some "pushback."