Congress is in session and the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within 10 days. What happens?
If Congress is in session, a bill the president neither signs nor vetoes within 10 days becomes law without a signature.
Short AnswerIt becomes law without a signature
Explanation
How Congress WorksUnder Article I, Section 7, an unsigned bill becomes law after 10 days, Sundays excepted, unless Congress has adjourned and prevented its return.
Source
- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 7, Clause 2 ↗
If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it…
Other Questions in This Topic
- Who can introduce a bill in the House?
- Where must bills for raising revenue start?
- What usually happens to a bill right after it is introduced?
- What has to happen before a bill can go to the president?
- How can the House and Senate settle differences between their versions of a bill?
- How long does the president have to sign or veto a bill?
- What is a pocket veto?
- Does a joint resolution need the president's signature to become law?
- Does a simple resolution, such as an H.Res. or S.Res., have the force of law?
- What does a number like Public Law 119-1 mean?