President Trump Issues First Two Vetoes Of His Second Term

President Donald Trump issued the first vetoes of his second term on Tuesday (December 30), blocking two bipartisan infrastructure-related bills. The vetoes targeted H.R. 131, concerning a water pipeline project in Colorado, and H.R. 504, related to land rights for the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida.

The White House cited the cost of the projects as the primary reason for the vetoes. President Trump stated, "Enough is enough. My Administration is committed to preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable policies." H.R. 131 aimed to extend the repayment period for the Arkansas Valley Conduit project from 50 to 75 years and reduce the interest rate. This project, originally authorized in 1962, has faced funding challenges, with costs now estimated at $1.3 billion.

The other bill, H.R. 504, sought to incorporate the Miccosukee Tribe’s Osceola Camp into their Reserved Area in Everglades National Park. President Trump opposed this, citing the tribe's opposition to his immigration policies.

The vetoes have sparked criticism. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet called the veto of H.R. 131 "a revenge tour," while Representative Lauren Boebert, who sponsored the bill, expressed disappointment, stating, "This isn’t over." Boebert and Trump have previously clashed over various issues, including the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Both bills passed Congress with significant support, and lawmakers may attempt to override the vetoes with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.