    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 13, 2002]
    [Page 783]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    May 13, 2002

        I am today signing into law H.R. 2646, the ``Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002.'' This Act will provide a safety net for
    America's farmers, who feed America and much of the world. The Act also
    will expand nutrition programs and improve the conservation and
    effective use of our natural resources.
        A few provisions of the Act raise constitutional concerns. The
    method of appointment of the board of trustees of the fellowship program
    prescribed in section 4404 of the Act is inconsistent with the
    requirements of the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. I am
    prepared to work with the Congress to enact legislation to cure this
    constitutional defect before the effective date of the program.
        Sections 6027 and 6028 of the Act establish and continue multi-
    member regional authorities to implement development programs. Serious
    doubts arise concerning the constitutionality of these regional
    authorities because the members are likely Federal officers for purposes
    of the Appointments Clause, but many of the members are not appointed in
    the manner required by that Clause. Again, I am prepared to work with
    the Congress to enact legislation that will cure this constitutional
    shortcoming by establishing the role of the members as advisory only, or
    by providing for appointment of all the members in accordance with the
    Appointments Clause.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     May 13, 2002.

    Note: H.R. 2646, approved May 13, was assigned Public Law No. 107-171.