Definition of veto for English Language Learners. : 1  a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something (such as a new law) : 2  the right or power of a person in authority to decide that something (such as a new law) will not be approved.
Even five years after Hurricane Katrina, the names of hundreds of the dead remain a mystery and the death toll is mired in dispute. Of an estimated 1,464 victims officially recognized by the state of Louisiana, more than 500 names have not been publicly released.
1 Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in property damages, but it is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi may exceed $150 billion, earning the title of costliest hurricane ever in US history.  Hurricane Katrina impacted about 90,000 square miles.