pocket-veto

¹ American  

[pok-it-vee-toh] / ˈpɒk ɪtˌvi toʊ /

verb (used with object)

pocket-vetoed, pocket-vetoing

1. to veto (a bill) by exercising a pocket veto.

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pocket veto ² American  

noun

1. a veto of a bill brought about by the president's failure to sign it within ten days of the adjournment of Congress.

2. a similar action on the part of any legislative executive.

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pocket veto British  

noun

1. the action of the President in retaining unsigned a bill passed by Congress within the last ten days of a session and thus causing it to die

2. any similar action by a state governor or other chief executive

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pocket veto Cultural  

1. An automatic veto of a bill that occurs if the president or governor neither signs nor vetoes a bill within ten days of receiving it — as long as the legislature adjourns during that period. If the legislature convenes during that period, the bill will automatically become law. A pocket veto cannot be overridden by the legislature, though the bill can be reintroduced at the next legislative session.

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pocket veto Idioms  

1. The implied veto of a bill by the President of the United States or by a state governor or other executive who simply holds the bill without signing it until the legislature has adjourned. For example, The President used the pocket veto to kill the crime bill. This expression dates from the 1830s and alludes to putting the unsigned bill inside one's pocket.

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Etymology

Origin of pocket veto

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

The governor signaled she won’t sign the bill, which in effect kills it through a pocket veto and without an explanation of her objections.

From Washington Times

The Grand Rapids Chamber criticized the pocket veto of the tax deferment legislation.

From Washington Times

He said the governor’s pocket veto came “out of nowhere.”

From Washington Times

Trump could also choose to take advantage of a situation known as a “pocket veto,” rather than outright vetoing the coronavirus aid package.

From Reuters

The situation is known as a “pocket veto.”

From Reuters