Arlen Specter: “The legislation and oversight and judicial review since 9/11 have provided a historic confrontation among the three…”

“The legislation and oversight and judicial review since 9/11 have provided a historic confrontation among the three branches of Government on the basic doctrine of separation of powers. When I say it is historic, I do not believe that is an overstatement. There is no doubt that the events of 9/11 require a vigorous response by the United States to fight terrorism. The brutal, heinous murder of 3,000 Americans and the continuing threat of al-Qaida worldwide require that we fight terrorism with great vigor. At the same time, it is important that constitutional rights be maintained. The fact is that the Congress has been very ineffective in limiting the expansion of Executive power. Only the courts have been able to maintain a balance.”