Virginia House Clerk Blocks Three Youngkin Budget Vetoes

Virginia House Clerk Paul Nardo has ruled three of Governor Glenn Youngkin's recent line-item vetoes on the state budget invalid because they violate the constitution's all-or-nothing requirement for vetoes, which mandates that entire budget items be vetoed rather than specific provisions within them. The vetoes in question targeted expansions of Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, increased Medicaid payments to nursing homes, and changes to the state employee health plan contract. Nardo, acting as Keeper of the Rolls, refused to publish these vetoes in the official legislative record, citing legal precedents and constitutional constraints. Governor Youngkin, however, rejected the clerk's ruling, insisting that his vetoes are constitutional and will stand, signaling his intention to ignore the clerk's decision and maintain his vetoes. Democratic lawmakers criticized Youngkin's defiance, comparing him to former President Trump for disregarding constitutional limits and warning of potential court battles. This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between the governor and the Democrat-controlled General Assembly over budget control and executive authority in Virginia.