The president has 10 days, excluding Sundays , to sign or veto a bill after it is presented. If the president takes no action and Congress is still in session, the bill becomes law automatically; if Congress adjourns first, it can be a pocket veto instead.

How it works

  • Sign the bill: it becomes law.
  • Veto the bill: it goes back to Congress with objections.
  • Do nothing for 10 days: it becomes law if Congress remains in session.
  • Congress adjourns first: the bill does not become law, which is called a pocket veto.

In plain English

Think of it as a 10-day decision window, not a requirement to sign. The Constitution gives the president time to act, but silence has different consequences depending on whether Congress is still available to receive a veto.

TL;DR

The president does not have to sign a bill at all, but has 10 days (Sundays excepted) to act before the bill’s fate is determined.