Veto

Executive rejection of a legislative proposal or joint resolution submitted for legal approval. Should an executive reject a measure, it can attain legal status only if the House and Senate individually vote (by a two-thirds majority) to overturn the rejection. An alternative type of executive rejection – an indirect rejection – happens if the legislature has concluded its session and cannot reconvene, and the executive fails to approve the legislative proposal within the mandated ten-day timeframe (excluding Sundays).

Bill Summary

Upon the presentation of a bill or resolution within either the House or the Senate, legislative experts within the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress craft a concise overview that impartially outlines the significant elements of the measure. Initial version summaries are subject to limitations in length as a matter of policy. When a measure undergoes action (for instance, it is reported out of a committee or approved by either the House or the Senate), these experts then produce a more extensive synopsis, elaborating on the measure's impact on existing laws and programs. Bill synopses are generated as a consequence of a congressional action and might not always align with a document published by the Government Publishing Office. A concluding public law synopsis is created upon its enactment into law.