Today, four House Democrat leaders, including Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. David Obey (D-WI), released a strongly worded letter that expresses their displeasure with President Obama's use of a signing statement to reassert his right to ignore the conditions placed on the IMF funding for purposes of conducting foreign policy.

The funding was included as a part of the recent passage of the War Supplemental bill and was one of the most contentious elements of the bill.  Some of the conditions were attached to the funding in order to garner enough votes for the bill's passage.  Some of the elements include:

Among other things, the bill required the Treasury Department to oppose loans to nations that have supported terrorism, force the World Bank to pay more attention to workers’ rights, increase oversight of the IMF, and push for greater climate change reduction efforts and more transparency at both organizations.

While it is not unusual for a president to hold this stance, particularly as it relates to foreign policy, past presidents have been charged with using signing statements to alter the intention of legislated mandates.  This latest signing statement is another reminder of the Bush administration, which was often accused of abusing the intent of signing statements.  As a result, this may affect the President's future ability to garner funding for the IMF, World Bank, or other types of institutions of similar missions, which are typically the center of ideological disagreements regarding foreign policy.

CQ ($$): Obama Following Bush Example, Democrats Complain