Olbermann reported on 10/10 that Bush hadn't signed it. But I found minor references in news stories that Bush signed it that day (but if he did, then it would've reached Olbermann in time to be reported). Here's the thing: if Bush didn't sign it with 10 days (as in Wednesday, Oct. 11) then it's what's called a pocket veto. The Constitution mandates the President signs or vetoes a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays) of its passage by both houses. If the President doesn't, then it becomes law anyway. HOWEVER, if the Congress is in recess (which it is), then it technically vetoed and must be passed again by both houses.
The other murky bit is when it is considered passed by both houses - is it when the votes actually take place? Or is it when the Speaker and the Senate President sign the bill? And how long do they have after passage to do so? The Constitution doesn't specify any of these.
I read somewhere that the Speaker didn't sign the legislation as being passed until Friday 9/29 or Monday 10/2. If so then it gives the President to sign the bill anywhere from today to Saturday.
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Date: 2006-10-13 03:47 am (UTC)The other murky bit is when it is considered passed by both houses - is it when the votes actually take place? Or is it when the Speaker and the Senate President sign the bill? And how long do they have after passage to do so? The Constitution doesn't specify any of these.
I read somewhere that the Speaker didn't sign the legislation as being passed until Friday 9/29 or Monday 10/2. If so then it gives the President to sign the bill anywhere from today to Saturday.