September 1986

Reagan vetoes the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, which would have imposed economic sanctions on South Africa's apartheid government. He argues sanctions will harm Black South Africans. Congress overrides the veto on October 2, 1986, the first override of a Reagan foreign policy veto. The episode exposes Reagan's alignment with the apartheid regime against the wishes of Black American leaders.

Reagan vetoes the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, which would have imposed economic sanctions on South Africa's apartheid government. He argues sanctions will harm Black South Africans. The veto exposes Reagan's alignment with the apartheid regime against the wishes of Black American leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus.