The Presidential Veto and Congressional Procedure

Publication Date: February 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

Presidential vetoes are a rejection of legislation approved by majorities in both houses of Congress. Vetoes and congressional efforts to override them are often the reason for, or a reflection of, conflict between Congress and the President. The threat of a presidential veto can prompt the modification of bills moving through the legislative process. Presidential vetoes are a rejection of legislation approved by majorities in both houses of Congress. Vetoes and congressional efforts to override them are often the reason for, or a reflection of, conflict between Congress and the President. The threat of a presidential veto can prompt the modification of bills moving through the legislative process.

This report provides a brief overview of procedures involved in vetoing a bill and the ways Congress can respond to a presidential veto. Tabular data are provided on the number of presidential vetoes exercised by each President from George Washington to William Clinton. President George W. Bush has not yet exercised the veto.