At a Glance
- President Donald Trump vetoes the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act and Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act.
- The vetoes come after both bills passed Congress by voice vote.
- Colorado senators immediately denounce the move, calling it a “revenge tour.”
- Why it matters: The vetoes expose deep partisan divides over infrastructure and tribal land issues.
President Donald Trump issued his first vetoes of his second term this week, rejecting two bills that had enjoyed bipartisan support. The actions come after both measures passed Congress by voice vote and were announced on Monday.
Trump’s First Vetoes of His Second Term
The Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act aims to complete a pipeline that would bring clean water to southeastern Colorado. Trump argued the project had dragged on and cost taxpayers too much.
President Donald Trump stated:
> “Enough is enough. My administration is committed to preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable policies. Ending the massive cost of taxpayer handouts and restoring fiscal sanity is vital to economic growth and the fiscal health of the Nation.”
The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act would expand the Miccosukee Tribe’s land in Florida to include part of the Everglades National Park. Trump accused the tribe of obstructing immigration policies.
President Donald Trump added:
> “The Miccosukee Tribe seeks to obstruct reasonable immigration policies that the American people decisively voted for when I was elected.”
Reactions from Colorado Senators
Sen. Michael Bennet called the veto a “revenge tour,” while Sen. John Hickenlooper accused Trump of “playing partisan games and punishing Colorado by making rural communities suffer without clean drinking water.”
Sen. Michael Bennet remarked:
> “This is a revenge tour.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper warned:
> “Playing partisan games and punishing Colorado by making rural communities suffer without clean drinking water.”
Hickenlooper urged Congress to overturn the veto, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
| Bill | Purpose | Passed by Voice Vote | Veto Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act | Provide clean water to southeastern Colorado | House & Senate | Project delays and high costs |
| Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act | Expand Miccosukee land in Florida | House & Senate | Alleged obstruction of immigration policies |
The two vetoes follow Trump’s record of 10 vetoes during his first term, only one of which was overridden. His first veto two years into his term targeted a Senate joint resolution to terminate a national emergency at the southern border.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s vetoes target infrastructure and tribal land expansion bills that passed by voice vote.
- Colorado senators label the moves a partisan retaliation and call for a congressional override.
- The vetoes highlight ongoing tensions between Trump and bipartisan legislators.
The actions underscore how presidential veto power can quickly become a flashpoint for partisan conflict, even when legislation enjoys broad support.
