Veto power

How is it that the threat of a presidential veto has become the guiding force in the legislative process? The Constitution states plainly: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law” (Article 1, Section 9). It also says, “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives” (Article 1, Section 1). When Congress decides what spending to authorize based on what it thinks the President will approve, it has in effect yielded its constitutional authority to the President. This is an abdication of responsibility.

The Constitution states that the President cannot spend one thin dine unless he is authorized to do so by Congress. If Congress passes an appropriation bill and the President vetoes it, it is not Congress that has “shut down” the government; it is the President. Congress is not required to acquiesce to the President’s every demands. That is to make the Legislative Branch the servant of Executive Branch. In our system, Congress makes the laws according to its own independent judgment. It is then up to the President to either approve or disapprove of them. If he disapproves, he is required to send the bill back to Congress along with a written explanation. Congress can then reconsider what to do. The idea that the President’s disapproval of an appropriations bill that does not fund Planned Parenthood is equal to Congress shutting down the government is absurd. These limp-wristed congressional leaders (McConnell and Boehner) need to get testosterone injections.