Congress limits Bush in naming attorneys

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Congress limits Bush in naming attorneys
By LAURIE KELLMAN
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON -- Congress cleared legislation Tuesday that would curb
President Bush's power to appoint prosecutors indefinitely, resolving
one controversy linked to the firing of federal prosecutors.

The 306-114 vote gave the House's blessing to the Senate-passed bill,
readying it for Bush's expected signature. It will close a loophole that
Democrats say could have permitted the White House to reward GOP
loyalists with plum jobs as U.S. attorneys.

The measure would restore the process for temporarily replacing U.S.
attorneys to what it was before Congress reauthorized the Patriot Act
last year. Under the bill, the attorney general could appoint a temporary
replacement who could serve for up to 120 days. If in that time the
Senate did not confirm a nominee permanently, the chief judge of the
federal district would appoint a temporary replacement until the Senate
acted.

Congress renewed the Patriot Act last year with a new provision that
allowed the president to appoint U.S. attorneys for an indefinite
amount of time, thus avoiding Senate confirmation. Democrats say
the White House tried to use that provision to fire troublesome
prosecutors and replace them with loyalists.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/692/story/115242.html

[Greeby]

1. Those are both veto-proof votes, right?

Be interesting to see what PIssypants does now

[Doubtful Optimist]

2. It won't be interesting. You already know what he's gonna do.

Signing Statement, anyone?

:mad:

[Richard Steele]

4. It really is easier being a dictator, isn't it? nm

[BrokenBeyondRepair]

6. it is now

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html

media was silent on this one.. as usual

[Eugene]

5. The Senate vote was 94-2.

The majorities in both houses are veto-proof.

[Richard Steele]

7. Why would he veto when a "signing statement" is so much easier?

He can sign it, and then just add a note that says
it means whatever he says it means. He's already done it
hundreds of times, y'know.

[leftwingnut]

3. fucking patriot act.

As a country we're really stoopid sometimes.

[annabanana]

8. Can we go back and remove Griffin? . . . . or at least bring him up

for one of them "upperdown" votes?

[LiberalFighter]

9. I don't believe it... My rep voted for it.

Indiana YES
All Democrats voted YES
Republicans Voted YES Souder, Pence

Republicans Voted NO
Burton and Buyer