JOE JOHNS: There have been a lot of questions about the legality of this -- point blank, does the president feel on this issue and this kind of issue that he is above the law?



JAY CARNEY: Absolutely not. To be clear: the 30-day notice requirements have appeared in NDAA bills and in other legislation in this and prior years, and we have repeatedly noted concerns with this requirement. In signing statements, he the president,has consistently made it clear that the executive branch must have the flexibility regarding negotiations with foreign countries and in circumstances of detainee transfers when necessary, and that was certainly the case here.