Pocket Veto

A pocket veto occurs when the President receives a bill from Congress but chooses not to sign it into law before Congress adjourns (ends its session). Instead of signing or vetoing the bill outright, the President simply "sits on it"—or keeps the bill in their possession—without taking action. Because Congress is no longer in session, the bill cannot be returned for revision or veto, and it effectively dies. This method allows the President to prevent a bill from becoming law without the formal veto process, usually when they disagree with the bill or want to veto it quietly.