Jun 27, 2015 · A pocket veto occurs when the President of the United States fails to sign a piece of legislation, either intentionally or unintentionally, while Congress is adjourned and unable to override a veto. Pocket vetoes are fairly common and have been used by almost every president since James Madison first used it first in 1812.

Jul 18, 2019 · for the bill to become law. Pocket vetoes occur when the President receives a bill but is unable to reject and return the bill to an adjourned Congress within the 10-day period. The bill, though lacking a signature and formal objections, does not become law. Pocket vetoes are not subject to the congressional veto override process.

Legal Definition of pocket veto. : a veto of legislation that occurs indirectly when an executive refrains from signing the legislation and the adjournment of the legislature prevents its automatic enactment (as upon expiration of ten days)