FAS

Presidential Signing Statements, and More from CRS

01.25.12 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

President Obama has used “signing statements” to take exception to provisions of law enacted by Congress with significantly less frequency than did President George W. Bush.  He has also abandoned reference to the “unitary executive” concept that was favored by the Bush Administration.

In most other respects, however, the Obama Administration’s use of signing statements is consistent and continuous with recent past practice, according to a newly updated report from the Congressional Research Service.  The report reviewed the basis for signing statements, their legal implications, and the controversy that has surrounded them.  See Presidential Signing Statements: Constitutional and Institutional Implications, January 4, 2012.

Some other new or newly updated CRS reports that have not been made readily available to the public include the following (all pdf).

Legal Issues Associated with the Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, January 23, 2012

“Who is a Veteran?” — Basic Eligibility for Veterans’ Benefits, January 23, 2012

Federal Aid to Roads and Highways Since the 18th Century: A Legislative History, January 6, 2012

Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress, January 6, 2012

Iran Sanctions, January 6, 2012

publications
See all publications
Global Risk
Press release
Nuclear Notebook: Russian Nuclear Weapons 2025 Federation of American Scientists Unveils Comprehensive Analysis of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal

Russia currently maintains nearly 5,460 nuclear warheads, with an estimated 1,718 deployed. This represents a slight decrease in total warheads from previous years but still positions Russia as the world’s largest nuclear power alongside the United States.

05.13.25 | 3 min read
read more
Clean Energy
Blog
AI, Energy, and Climate: What’s at Stake? Hint: A lot.

The stakes are high: how we manage this convergence will influence not only the pace of technological innovation but also the equity and sustainability of our energy future.

05.12.25 | 6 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
Bridging Innovation and Expertise: Connecting Federal Talent to America’s Tech Ecosystems

We’re launching an initiative to connect scientists, engineers, technologists, and other professionals who recently departed federal service with emerging innovation ecosystems across the country that need their expertise.

05.09.25 | 5 min read
read more
Environment
Press release
The Federation of American Scientists Joins Coalition to Prepare for and Prevent Wildfires

With wildfire risk increasing and the potential for destruction along with it continues to grow nationwide, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) today joins with other organizations to launch a new coalition, Partners in Wildfire Prevention.

05.07.25 | 3 min read
read more