I will not use signing statements to nullify or undermine congressional instructions as enacted into law."

- Senator Barack Obama, December 20, 2007 (Boston Globe)



"However, provisions of [HR 2436] ... would interfere with my constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations by directing the Executive to take certain positions in negotiations or discussions with international organizations and foreign governments, or by requiring consultation with the Congress prior to such negotiations or discussions. I will not treat these provisions as limiting my ability to engage in foreign diplomacy or negotiations."

- President Barack Obama, June 24, 2009 (Signing Statement accompanying signature of HR 2436)

The message sent, tellingly on a news-cycle-shy Saturday, is that those who sought legal idealism from the Obama administration won't be getting it, and tho