What is a signing statement?

A signing statement is specifically a written comment issued by the President at the time of signing a bill into law. This statement can outline the President's interpretation of the legislation, signal how the administration plans to implement the law, or express any concerns about specific provisions within the bill. Signing statements can provide important insights into the executive branch's perspective and intentions regarding new laws, which can influence how those laws are enforced or prioritized.

In contrast, a public announcement of a new law does not capture the nuances of the President's thoughts on the legislation. A summary of the law's main points may be helpful for understanding its contents but does not include the executive interpretation or additional context provided by the President. Finally, an official veto of a bill is an entirely different action where the President rejects a bill rather than sign it into law, and thus does not involve the concept of a signing statement.