What options does the President have when they receive a bill?

When a bill reaches the President, he has three choices.

He can:

1. Sign and pass the bill and the bill becomes a law.

2. Refuse to sign, or veto, the bill: the bill is sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives, along with the President's reasons for the veto.

3. Do nothing (pocket veto)—if Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law after 10 days. If Congress is not in session, the bill does not become a law.