When the President signs a bill into law, he may issue a statement explaining why he is approving the legislation. These statements were traditionally brief and generally did not contain substantive analysis of the legislation. These statements were traditionally brief and generally did not contain substantive analysis of the legislation. However, in recent administrations they have been used more vigorously and have become a subject of controversy. There is disagreement about their role in and importance to legislative history.
The following are online and print resources containing Presidential Signing Statements.
Remarks delivered to Congress, explaining the reasons for suggesting, signing, or vetoing legislation.