[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.