The most recent programs for the Separation of powers Tag http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?topic=440 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 19 May 2013 10:07:18 GMT June 17th marked the 40th anniversary of the Watergate break-in that ultimately resulted in President Nixon's resignation. To commemorate the anniversary, the Chapman University School of Law held a symposium about Watergate's lasting impact. All this month we are airing highlights of that Symposium. Now, a 90 minute discussion on Watergate's constitutional impact and legacy in the context of recent presidential administrations and subsequent political scandals. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/306027-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/306027-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Jack Goldsmith argues that while it is commonly held that the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, resulted in the executive branch obtaining unprecedented and unaccountable power, the reality is that Congress pushed back against executive power in significant ways and placed controls on the president that most people do not realize exist. This, he says, explains why President Obama has not made a major shift away from the counter-terrorism policies of the Bush administration. Professor Goldsmith was joined in discussion by three other Harvard University professors. The panelists also responded to questions from members of the audience. This Harvard Book Store event was held in the Brattle Theatre. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305871-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305871-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ken Blackwell talked about [The Blueprint: Obama's Plan to Subvert the Constitution and Build an Imperial Presidency], one of his two recently published books written with Ken Klukowski. The interview, part of Book TV's college series, was recorded at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305330-6 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305330-6 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Justices Breyer and Scalia testified on the role of judges in the American republic and democratic systems within the U.S. Question topics included the politicization of the judicial confirmation process, cameras in the courtroom, the role of juries, and the 14th Amendment. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301909-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301909-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Former Oklahoma Representative Mickey Edwards spoke about the relationship between the president and Congress. Among the issues he addressed were the prescribed roles of the executive and legislative branches, President Obama's approach to the legislative process, and levels of political partisanship in Washington. He also responded to questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291093-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291093-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Douglas Ginsburg addressed the Federal Society's 2009 National Lawyer Convention. He focused on the development of a unitary theory of executive branch power and how the presidency operates within the separation of powers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289999-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289999-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT At a hearing titled "Getting to the Truth Through a Nonpartisan Commission of Inquiry," legal experts testified about a potential investigation into Bush administration policies ranging from prisoner treatment and detentions to hiring practices at the Department of Justice. They focused on how best to establish a commission that will investigate past practices, gather testimony from high-level administration officials, and recommend future changes to the laws governing executive authority. They also addressed the manner in which legal opinions were sought by the Bush administration and potential immunity for witnesses appearing before an independent commission. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/284412-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/284412-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The panel talked about the 2007 Supreme Court term, focusing on the state of Guantanamo Bay detainees and the ability of the federal government to regulate energy markets. They talked about the legal questions surrounding the War on Terror and the Supreme Court's opinions on the War on Terror, specifically the balance of powers. They answered questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281173-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281173-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled "Executive Power and Its Constitutional Limitations" to examine legal and legislative responses to allegations of misconduct and the expansion of executive branch power by the Bush administration. Topics include allegations of: (1) improper politicization of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys offices, including potential misuse of authority with regard to election and voting controversies; (2) misuse of executive branch authority and the adoption and implementation of the so-called unitary executive theory, including in the areas of presidential signing statements and regulatory authority; (3) misuse of investigatory and detention authority with regard to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, including questions regarding the legality of the administration's surveillance, detention, interrogation, and rendition programs; (4) manipulation of intelligence and misuse of war powers, including possible misrepresentations to Congress related thereto; (5) improper retaliation against administration critics, including disclosing information concerning CIA operative Valerie Plame, and obstruction of justice related thereto; and (6) misuse of authority in denying Congress and the American people the ability to oversee and scrutinize conduct within the administration, including through the use of various asserted privileges and immunities. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280000-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280000-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Members of the National War Powers Commission presented the commission's unanimous report on the respective war powers of the president and Congress. They recommended that Congress draft new legislation to replace the vague and outdated War Powers Act of 1973. They also urged that new legislation more precisely define the procedures by which the president consulted with Congress prior to formal authorization of sustained military operations. The commission is a private bipartisan group established by the Miller Center of Public Affairs to clarify war powers and prevent debate over ambiguous interpretations of the powers of the commander-in-chief and congressional power to declare war in the Constitution. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/206310-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/206310-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Keith Perine talked about the contempt citations issued by Congress against White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolton and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for failure to appear for a Congressional subpoena. The subpoena was issued in response to the firings of several US Attorneys. Bolton and Miers evoked executive privilege to avoid testifying. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204068-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204068-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Marking the 25th anniversary of the Federalist Society, three U.S. Supreme Court Justices and other dignitaries congratulated the Society, described its history, and praised its founders. The 25th anniversary celebration involved a full-day conference honoring Judge Robert Bork and his contributions to the law. Judge Bork, co-chairman of the Society's board of visitors, was unable to be present due to illness. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202361-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202361-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The panelists talked about the constitutional role of Congress in intelligence operations. Other topics included the policy issues of unilateral presidential action versus working with Congress, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), terrorism, intelligence activities, privacy, and civil rights. Suzanne Spaulding moderated. After their discussion, the panelists responded to audience members' questions. This program began abruptly and is missing approximately one minute. "Can Congress Regulate Intelligence? Must the President Comply?: A Constitutional and Policy Conversation" was a forum at the 17th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law Conference of the American Bar Association. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202362-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202362-4 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guest talked about the current relationship between President Bush and Congress regarding his claim of executive privilege in the fired U.S. attorneys matter. He also talked about this week's contempt of Congress citations to former White House officials by the House Judiciary Committee. He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198528-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198528-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Snow briefed reporters and answered questions on several issues including the House Judiciary vote to hold two White House officials in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in an investigation into the dismissals of several U.S. attorneys. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/200146-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/200146-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The House Judiciary Committee met to consider a resolution and report recommending to the House of Representatives that former White House Counsel Harriett Miers and White House Chief of Staff John Bolten be cited for contempt of Congress for their refusal to comply with subpoenas issued in the investigation of the dismissal of U.S. attorneys. The committee voted to send the report to the House. The program ended as the committee began to mark up legislation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/200138-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/200138-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bob Cusack reported from the C-SPAN news room about political new of the day, including that day's House Judiciary Committee meeting on issuing citations for contempt of Congress as well as the House and Senate floor agenda. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198525-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198525-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Telephone lines were open for viewer comments on the question "Contempt of Congress: Proper Use of Oversight?" regarding the contempt citation hearing being held that day by the House Judiciary Committee. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198525-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198525-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guest talked about the powers of the president and their scope and use, including President Bush's decision this week to commute the sentence of Lewis 'Scooter' Libby. He also talked about the powers of recent past presidents. He discussed the recent court cases regarding the National Security Council secret surveillance program. He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198507-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198507-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ms. Perino briefed reporters and answered questions about a number of issues including Vice President Cheney's role in the executive and legislative branches, following claims by his office that he was not subject to executive office record keeping procedures due to his dual role as president of the Senate. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199410-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199410-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ms. Perino briefed reporters and answered questions on a number of issues including Vice President Cheny's claims that his office was not strictly an executive branch agency and was not subject to congressional oversight into the handling of classified information, and the future of the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199378-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199378-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Professor Tribe spoke on the topic "Two Invisible Constitutions, One Vanishing Attorney General and the Future of the Republic" at the Harvard Law School Worldwide Alumni Congress. He talked about Bush administration interpretations of the powers of the executive branch and criticized the administration for abuses of power in several instances. He talked about the decision to dismiss several U.S. attorneys of political reasons, violations of privacy in law enforcement investigations, and ways in which the administration had sought to circumvent traditional constitutional law. He also answered questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199145-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199145-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Constitutional lawyer Clint Bolick talked about his book, [David's Hammer: The Case for an Activist Judiciary], published by the Cato Institute. He made the argument that an activist judicial branch is essential in order to keep the executive and legislative branches from becoming too powerful and threatening individuals' constitutional rights. For example, he says the judiciary should protect school choice and property rights, so that they are not compromised by the other branches of government. He was joined in discussion by M. Edward Whelan III, and Jeffrey Rosen. Mr. Rosen is the author of [The Supreme Court: The Personalities and Rivalries that Defined America]. After their presentations the three men responded to audience members' question. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197501-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197501-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee met to vote on pending judicial nominations, mark up pending legislation, and the authorization of subpoenas in connection with an investigation into the replacement of U.S. attorneys. They authorized subpoenas for several White House officials by a voice vote. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197282-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197282-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commerical and Administrative Law met to authorize the issuance of subpeonas to members ot the White House staff in relation to the investigation of the dismissal of U.S. attorneys. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197245-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197245-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bruce Fein, a former Justice Department official in the Reagan administration, talked about executive branch powers and constitutional checks and balances. The previous day, he and other conservatives announced their American Freedom Agenda to "restore checks and balances and civil liberties protection under assault by the executive branch." He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196831-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196831-5 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT President Bush made remarks and answered questions from reporters about the dismissals of several U.S. attorneys and his decision to exert executive privilege by not allowing White House aids testify under oath at public congressional hearings into the firings, depicting the public hearings as "show trials." In his remarks he offered support for Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales while proposing to make Karl Rove and other top aides available for private interviews with congressional investigators. He also said that he was willing to go to court to prevent the public testimony of the aids. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197240-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197240-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Panel members discussed the balance between congressional oversight and executive privilege when Congress demands information, executive branch documents, or the testimony of executive branch officials. Topics included historic cases, separation of powers, confidentiality, the legal tests used to determine when a claim of executive privilege is appropriate, the circumstances that make a claim a political question, and the circumstances under which a question may be addressed by the courts. After their presentations the panelists responded to audience members' questions. Mr. Whelan served as moderator. This program begins abruptly and is missing approximately two minutes of the opening introduction. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196760-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196760-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guests debated Congress' constitutional powers to limit or end the war in Iraq as proposed in several resolutions that may be debated next week in the Senate. Mr. Dellinger testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee on this topic and said that Congress may set limits on the president's discretion about the scope and duration of military action. Mr. Rivkin, who wrote an opinion piece in the January 31 [Wall Street Journal], said Congress does not have the authority to limit or end the war. They responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196401-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196401-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sen. Patrick Leahy, the incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the committee's agenda for the 110th Congress. In his remarks he focused on civil rights issues, separation of powers, and conducting oversight investigations of Bush administration counterterrorism policies involving domestic surveillance and prisoner detention. Following his remarks he answered questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195806-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195806-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Judge Starr's speech was titled, "The President, the Supreme Court, and the War on Terror." He talked about preserving the balance between protecting the homeland while still preserving the nation's civil liberties when creating legislation. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. Judge Starr was formerly a federal judge on the D.C. Court of Appeals, solicitor general to former President George H.W. Bush, and independent counsel for five investigations. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195343-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195343-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Panelists talked about new developments in national security, the role of the executive branch in setting and enforcing national security policy, as well as legal and constitutional jurisdiction in combating terrorism and national security threats. Mr. Harvey moderated the discussion which included questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195585-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195585-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Judge Pryor moderated a panel discussion on the federalist approach to executive power in wartime. The panelists addressed questions such as whether President Bush has acted legally in regard the war in Iraq, whether Congress has exceeded its constitutional powers, and what role if any the Judiciary should have in mediating these disputes? Topics included the Separation of Powers, the National Guard, executive power in wartime, and the role of the commander-in-chief. After their presentations the panelists responded to audience members' questions. This event was part of the Federalist Society's annual National Lawyers Convention. The theme of the convention was "Limited Government." Judge Pryor was misidentified on screen as 'Jude William Pryor.' http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195433-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195433-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lou DuBose and Jake Bernstein talked about their book, [Vice: Dick Cheney and the Hijacking of the American Presidency], published by Random House. In this depiction of Vice President Cheney's "shadow presidency," the co-authors examined Vice President Cheney's medical condition, his involvement in foreign policy, and his relationship with the Halliburton corporation. They argued that Vice President Cheney has been successful in his career-long fight to re-establish executive power. They also talked about the vice president's work in both the Ford and Nixon administrations and his efforts to restore presidential power after the Watergate scandal. After their presentation they responded to audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195333-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195333-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT John Yoo talked about his book, [War by Other Means: An Insider's Account of the War on Terror], published by Atlantic Monthly Press. Mr. Yoo argued that the traditional balance of powers must shift to the executive branch when America is at war. He described how the Bush administration grappled with the legal questions brought about by the events of September 11 and the early days of the war on terrorism. At that time Mr. Yoo served as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice. Issues included the designation of the remains of the World Trade Center as a crime scene or a battlefield. Until that question was answered, the president's legal authority to act was unclear. After his presentation, Mr. Yoo was joined in discussion by former Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr and Professor Jeffrey Rosen. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Schmitt. The panelists also responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194767-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194767-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT As part of a conference titled, "Fair and Independent Courts: A Conference on the State of the Judiciary," Chief Justice Roberts delivered the keynote address. Justices O'Connor and Breyer, the chairs of the conference, introduced the Chief Justice. Topics included the responsibilities of judges, judicial independence, and the history of the Separation of Powers. The session ended with music by the Georgetown University Gospel Choir. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194520-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194520-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Geyh talked about his book, [When Courts and Congress Collide: The Struggle for Control of America's Judicial System], published by University of Michigan Press. The book examines the relationship between Congress and the federal courts. During his speech, Mr. Geyh explained that the anti-court sentiment in America is currently very high and warns that the country's historic balance of governance may soon be a thing of the past. He also talked about the historical cycles of anti-court sentiment. There was no question-and-answer session. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194573-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194573-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Phyllis Schlafly talked about her book [The Supremacists: The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It], published by Spence Publishing Company. She argued against judicial activism and commented about U.S. Supreme Court appointments. During her presentation, Ms. Schlafly argued that activist judges are legislating on parental rights, private property, taxes, and marriage and she urged Americans to join President Bush in speaking out against "judges who are legislating from the bench." There was no question-and-answer session. This event was part of the 35th annual Eagle Forum Leadership Conference, called Eagle Council. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194563-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194563-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Judge Joan Lefkow spoke about judicial independence and the Separation of Powers. She mentioned the abortion issue, the use of threats of impeachment of judges, military compliance with the Geneva Conventions, civil rights, two fatal attacks on the judiciary that occurred in recent years, and other topics. Judge Lefkow was appointed to the U.S. District Court by President Clinton and confirmed in June 2000. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194266-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194266-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT America and the Courts featured: In a September 12 event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito talked about his first year on the Court and his time working in the Reagan administration. U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow talked about judicial independence and congressional challenges to judicial authority during a September 12 event at the Rotary Club of Chicago. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194421-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194421-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Moderated by Mr. Minarik, the panelists evaluated Congress' effectiveness in its oversight of the executive branch in recent years. Topics included lack of oversight of Homeland Security Department, Medicaid issues, and intelligence oversight since September 11. After their presentations they responded to audience members' questions. Mr. Thurber, Mr. Lilly, and Mr. Minarik made closing remarks for the conference. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-3 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Comptroller General Walker made a special presentation during a conference on congressional oversight of the executive branch and evaluation of Congress' oversight capability. Topics included the role of the Government Accountability Office, prevention of abuse of power, incentives for doing the right thing, transparency, and accountability. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT After opening remarks, the panelists, moderated by Mr. Lilly, discussed what is required for good congressional oversight of the executive branch and also evaluation of the work of Congress. Topics included legal mandates, investigation of activities, separation of powers, definitions of ideal congressional oversight, National Security Council wiretapping, and restoring credibility. Some speakers criticized the "breakdown of oversight" and the "imperial presidency." After their presentations the panelists responded to audience members' questions. The event was held in the Rayburn House Office Building. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194342-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Michael Greco talked about the constitutional and legal issues raised by presidential legal interpretations of federal legislation made during signing statements. The previous day, the American Bar Association Task Force on Presidential Signing Statements and the Separation of Powers Doctrine, which Mr. Greco created, released a report. The task force concluded that President Bush had overstepped his constitutional authority by defining ways in which the executive would either enforce or not enforce legislation. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193325-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193325-5 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Members of the American Bar Association Task Force on Presidential Signing Statements and the Separation of Powers Doctrine released a report on the constitutional and legal issues surrounding signing statements and executive interpretation of law. The report was critical of the Bush administration saying that it had lodged more challenges to provisions of laws than all previous presidents combined. The panel members described the development as a serious threat to the Constitution's system of checks and balances, and they urged Congress to pass legislation permitting court review of such statements. Of particular concern were statements related to the treatment of prisoners and combatant detainees. They also responded to questions from the reporters. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193546-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193546-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Department of Justice operations and the Terrorist Surveillance program. Among the issues he addressed were the balance of national security interests and civil rights in determining presidential powers, disclosure by newspapers of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program, prosecution of leaks of these programs, and the lack of clearance for the Office of Professional Responsibility in the Department of Justice to investigate the legality of the Terrorist Surveillance Program. He also testified about the legal authority of the presidential statements at bill signing ceremonies, administration proposals to deal with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in [Hamdan v. Rumsfeld], and the continued detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193432-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193432-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Press Secretary Snow briefed the reporters about line-item veto proposals. He also answered questions from the reporters. Topics included North Korea nuclear missile crisis, Iran government, and Chinese expansion. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193179-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193179-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT White House Legal Counsel Harriet Miers spoke about the separation of powers and the role of the executive in formulating and enforcing national security policies. Her remarks were given as the keynote address to the Annual Grano Award Dinner of the Michigan Chapter of the Federalist Society. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor received the Grano Award. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193020-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193020-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Chalmers Johnson was interviewed about topical issues and his book, [The Sorrows of Empire: Militarism, Secrecy, and the End of the Republic], published by Metropolitan Books. Other topics included the increasing power of the Executive Branch, loss of liberty, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the September 11 attacks, militarism and the overextension of the U.S. 'empire.' He taught Chinese and Japanese politics at the University of California at Berkeley for 26 years. Professor Johnson also wrote, [Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire], published by Holt; and [Revolutionary Change], published by Stanford. He has another book coming out later this year, [Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic.] http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192686-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192686-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the constitutionality of a raid by the Federal Bureau of Investigations on a congressional office while investigating possible corruption. Witnesses testified about the procedures used in the application of a search warrant, the provisions of separation of powers in the Constitution, the encroachment of executive power on the ability of Congress to regulate its own affairs, and specifically the provisions of the "speech and debate" provisions in the Constitution. Members described the FBI's weekend search of Representative William Jefferson's office in the Rayburn House Office Building as an arrogant, unnecessary breach of tradition and vital constitutional protections. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192756-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192756-1 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT