Slashdot Mirror


Patriot Act Extension By Autopen Raises Questions for Congressman

Okian Warrior writes "Congress passed the [Patriot act extension] bill Thursday night, shortly before certain provisions of the Patriot Act were set to expire. However, Mr. Obama could not sign the bill right away in person, since he was in Europe for the G8 Summit. In order to sign the bill before the measures expired, he authorized the use of the autopen machine, which holds a pen and signs his actual signature. Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia sent President Obama a letter today questioning the constitutionality."

4 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Questioning the constitutionality... by ChrisMounce · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'd like to question the constitutionality of a lot more than just how it was signed.

  2. Re:What a microcosm of what's wrong with us by iceperson · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Hmm, interesting that you call one of the few who stood up and voted against the law a "partisan hack". It would seem you can't see past the D or R next to a person's name. There's a name for that I think. It's right on the tip of my tongue...

  3. Re:President Obama by Jafafa+Hots · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Gosh, I thought the thing was that the president works FOR US.

    We've had more than enough of putting more power and gravitas than was intended into the role of the presidency, doncha think?

    The whole point was to not have kings.

    --
    This space available.
  4. Re:The comments are full of hilarity by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why such a discrepancy between House and Senate for Dems? Most Dem Senators voted yea...

    Anyway, you can't assume that Dems in the House would have still voted the same way if they were the majority. US politics being what it is, minority parties tend to vote against things out of spite, but flip flop on the issue as soon as they're running things and could use some extra levers.