Advocacy Glossary
Pocket veto
What does pocket veto mean?
A pocket veto happens when the President does not sign a bill within ten days, not counting Sundays, and Congress has adjourned so the bill cannot be returned. The bill dies without a formal veto.
Why it matters for advocates
Normally, a bill the President ignores for ten days becomes law without a signature. The pocket veto is the exception that applies when Congress is not in session to receive a veto message.
Because Congress rarely fully adjourns anymore, pocket vetoes are uncommon today. Some states have their own versions with different timelines.
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