[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 41 (Monday, October 20, 2008)]
[Page 1346]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2009

October 14, 2008

    Today I have signed into law S. 3001, the ``Duncan Hunter National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.'' The Act authorizes 
funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, 
for military construction, and for national security-related energy 
programs.
    Provisions of the Act, including sections 851, 902, 1211(2), and 
1508(b), purport to impose requirements that could inhibit the 
President's ability to carry out his constitutional obligations to take 
care that the laws be faithfully executed, to protect national security, 
to conduct diplomatic negotiations, to supervise the executive branch, 
to appoint officers of the United States, and to execute his authority 
as Commander in Chief. The executive branch shall continue to construe 
such provisions in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority 
and obligations of the President.
                                                George W. Bush
 The White House,
 October 14, 2008.