 While Sam and Bruno are concerned about the loyalty of a powerful California union official ( Sandoval ) , Toby and Josh are preparing for a meeting with the congressional opposition to re @-@ negotiate the estate tax — or the " death tax " as the Republicans have labeled it — but are then surprised by a last @-@ minute cancellation . It soon becomes clear that the Republicans are planning to repeal the estate tax altogether , and might have the votes to do so . An attempt to win over the black caucus , led by Congressman Mark Richardson ( Barry ) , fails . At a loss over what to do , an initiative comes from unexpected quarters . The previously over @-@ cautious political strategist , Doug Wegland , suggests the president responds by doing something he has never done before : veto the bill . 
