Republican Representative Nancy Mace has announced her intention to introduce a resolution urging Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment and assume President Joe Biden's duties. Mace argues that if Biden lacks the cognitive ability to seek reelection, then he also lacks the ability to serve out the remainder of his term.
White House officials have reiterated Biden's commitment to completing his term despite these calls for invoking the 25th Amendment.
Another GOP Representative, Chip Roy, previously introduced a similar amendment following Biden's performance in a late June presidential debate, which raised concerns about his cognitive abilities.
Understanding the 25th Amendment
The 25th Amendment was established in the aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination and Dwight Eisenhower's health issues. It was designed to ensure a clear line of succession and readiness for unforeseen emergencies. The amendment empowers the vice president, with the backing of Cabinet members, to assume power from a president deemed unfit for office due to reasons such as being in a coma or suffering a stroke. However, the process for actually removing a president under this amendment is stringent.
Notably, discussions among Cabinet members took place regarding the potential use of the 25th Amendment to remove former President Donald Trump from office following the January 6 Capitol riot.
