    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 30, 2008]
    [Pages 1260-1261]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and
    Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009
    September 30, 2008

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2638, the ``Consolidated Security,
    Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.'' The Act,
    consisting of five divisions, consolidates into a single Act several
    appropriations bills. It provides through emergency supplemental
    appropriations additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 resources needed for
    relief and recovery from hurricanes, floods, and other disasters, and
    other supplemental appropriations.
        The Act also includes full-year FY 2009 appropriations for the
    Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security and for
    Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Furthermore, the Act
    provides FY 2009 appropriations to continue operations of the Federal
    Government through March 6, 2009, for projects and activities not
    otherwise covered in the full-year bills. This Act lifts the legislative
    mora-toria on oil and gas leasing on significant portions of the Outer
    Continental Shelf and the prohibition on the completion of regulations
    for commercial leasing of oil shale, which will allow us to reduce our
    dependence on foreign oil.
        I am disappointed that the Congress passed a long-term continuing
    resolution. There is much work to be done, and the Congress should not
    adjourn for the year without finishing important business on spending,
    taxes, and free trade agreements.
        Finally, this legislation contains certain provisions similar to
    those found in prior appropriations bills passed by the Congress that
    might be construed to be inconsistent with my Constitutional
    responsibilities. To avoid such potential infirmities, the executive
    branch will interpret and construe such provisions in the same manner as
    I have

    [[Page 1261]]

    previously stated in regard to similar provisions.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     September 30, 2008.

    Note: H.R. 2638, approved September 30, was assigned Public Law No. 110-
    329.