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Presidential Vetoes, 1789-Present: A Summary Overview (CRS Report for Congress)

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Release Date Revised June 23, 2003
Report Number 98-148GOV
Authors Gary L. Galemore
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Older Revisions
  • Premium   Nov. 4, 2000 (2 pages, $24.95) add
Summary:

The veto power vested in the President by Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution has proved to be an effective tool for the Chief Executive in his dealings with Congress. Since the beginning of the federal government in 1789, 35 of 42 Presidents have exercised their veto authority 2,549 times. Of that total number, 1,484 have been returned vetoes—i.e., the rejected legislation was returned to the congressional house of origin, while it was in session, with a presidential message of explanation—and 1,065 were pocket vetoed or rejected while Congress was adjourned. Congress has challenged the President's veto 313 times and succeeded in overriding on 106 occasions.