In an open letter responding to these criticisms, Times Executive Editor Bill Keller wrote that a free press was the key check on governments abuse of power.
Senate Critics Say Bush Has Expanded Presidential Power
A U.S. Senate panel Tuesday held a hearing on President Bush's use of a constitutional tool to ignore laws passed by Congress. The Bush administration defended the practice.
At issue are so-called signing statements, which President Bush has attached to laws he has signed to express his opposition to provisions in the laws.
A study by the Boston Globe newspaper says President Bush has signed some 750 such memos challenging laws passed by Congress - including a ban on the torture of U.S.-held prisoners and provisions in the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act that call for increased congressional oversight. The administration disputes that number, saying 110 such statements have been issued.