Did Bush Repeal the Fifth Amendment? Although the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that "No person shall ... be deprived of ... property, without due process of law," on July 17 President Bush issued an executive order authorizing the Treasury department to seize any and all property belonging to individuals who "pose a significant risk" of committing violent acts that undermine the "peace or stability" of Iraq. The action does not require congressional approval.
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow clarified in a press briefing that the intent is to target "terrorists and insurgent groups," but the American Civil Liberties Union protested that the executive order "posed risks for residents of the United States."
