    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [September 30, 2002]
    [Pages 1699-1700]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing a Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2003
    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

    [[Page 1700]]

    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.

    Note: H.J. Res. 111, approved September 30, was assigned Public Law No.
    107-229.