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OMB Watch allows Dir. Homeland Security to "waive any federal law, without limit"!!!
From: David Farber <dave () farber net>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:43:00 -0500
------ Forwarded Message From: Thomas Leavitt <thomas () thomasleavitt org> Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 09:57:24 -0800 (PST) To: <declan () well com> Cc: <dave () farber net> Subject: OMB Watch allows Dir. Homeland Security to "waive any federal law, without limit"!!! An article from OMB Watch points to provisions in the REAL ID Act, HR 418, which would put the Secretary of Homeland Security above the law in what appears to be a dangerous precedent. See also an earlier article (Feb. 7) at http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/2655/1/316 , which includes text of the provision in question. Linda Phillips ---------------------------------------- http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleprint/2664/-1/315/ Congress Votes to Waive All Laws for Homeland Security » OMB Watch » Home » Regulatory Policy » In Congress » DHS Above the Law Published 02/10/2005 04:33 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Shull, (202) 234-8494 WASHINGTON (February 10, 2005) The House of Representatives voted 243 to 179 today to reject an amendment that would have stripped section 102 from the ³REAL ID Act of 2005² (H.R. 418). The bill, as passed, would empower the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive any federal laws, without limit, in the course of building barriers along the nation¹s borders. This controversial, precedent-setting legislation received no hearings or extended debate prior to passage. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The following is a statement by J. Robert Shull, Senior Regulatory Policy Analyst with OMB Watch. ³America is a nation founded on the rule of law, but apparently not when homeland security is involved. This is a license to waive any law, for any reason or for no reason at all. ³If enacted, this bill would grant the Homeland Security Secretary unbridled authority to act however he sees fit, without consequence. His actions also would be exempt from judicial review, making him unaccountable to any authority. ³Laws that protect the environment, safeguard public health, ensure consumer and workplace safety, prevent unfair business practices, and ban discrimination none of these laws, or any others, would apply to the Department of Homeland Security. ³No government agency should be above the laws that preserve America¹s democracy.² ### OMB Watch is a nonprofit research and advocacy center located in Washington, D.C., which promotes an open, accountable government responsive to community needs. Founded in 1983 to lift the veil of secrecy from the White House¹s powerful Office of Management and Budget, OMB Watch has since expanded its focus to address institutional responsiveness to public needs. ****************************************************************** Linda K. Phillips, Ph.D. Co-moderator, LWV-Liberty () lists lwv org 1st VP (State and National Action) LWV-Santa Barbara, CA Phone: 805-967-0922 Direct email: lindakp5 () cox net Permanent forwarding address: lindaphillips () calalum org ******************************************************************* ------ End of Forwarded Message ------------------------------------- You are subscribed as lists-ip () insecure org To manage your subscription, go to http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/
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- OMB Watch allows Dir. Homeland Security to "waive any federal law, without limit"!!! David Farber (Feb 14)