At a Glance
- Donald Trump vetoes pipeline and tribal land expansion bills.
- Both bills passed Congress by voice vote.
- Colorado senators criticize the veto as partisan.
Why it matters: The vetoes reveal Trump’s fiscal priorities and spark debate over water access and tribal sovereignty.
President Donald Trump announced his first vetoes of the second term this week, rejecting two bills that had enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress.
Pipeline Bill Veto
The Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act aims to complete a pipeline that would deliver clean water to southeastern Colorado. The bill passed both the House and Senate by voice vote, indicating overwhelming bipartisan support.
- Purpose: Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit pipeline for clean water.
- Vote: Passed by voice vote in both chambers.
- Veto Reason: Trump cited the project’s long delay and excessive cost.
Donald Trump wrote:
> “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.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert responded on social media:
> “This isn’t over.”
Tribal Land Expansion Veto
The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act would expand the Miccosukee Tribe’s reserved area into part of the Everglades National Park, including Osceola Camp. The legislation also passed Congress by voice vote.
- Purpose: Expand Miccosukee Reserved Area into the Everglades.
- Vote: Passed by voice vote in both chambers.
- Veto Reason: Trump accused the tribe of obstructing immigration policies.
Donald Trump wrote:
> “The Miccosukee Tribe is seeking to obstruct reasonable immigration policies that the American people decisively voted for when I was elected.”
Sen. Michael Bennet called the veto a “revenge tour,” while Sen. John Hickenlooper said Trump was “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 | Veto Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act | Complete a pipeline for clean water in southeastern Colorado | Long delay and high cost |
| Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act | Expand Miccosukee Tribe’s reserved area into the Everglades | Obstructing immigration policies |
Key Takeaways
- Trump vetoes two bipartisan bills, sparking criticism from Colorado senators.
- The pipeline bill aimed to bring clean water to Colorado, while the tribal bill sought land expansion.
- Trump’s vetoes highlight his stance on federal spending and immigration policy.
With these first vetoes of his second term, Trump underscores his commitment to fiscal restraint, but the moves have drawn sharp rebuke from state leaders and tribal advocates.
