US Federal House Bill HR1373

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/22/24
• Refer: 7/22/24

Caption

Calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as acting President.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would underline a significant shift in the applicability of the 25th Amendment, particularly regarding the criteria and process for determining presidential incapacity. Should the resolution proceed, it could set a precedent for future actions taken under similar circumstances involving the fitness of a sitting President, establishing a standard for intervening in presidential duties on cognitive grounds.

Summary

House Resolution 1373 calls for Vice President Kamala Harris to utilize the provisions of section 4 of the 25th Amendment. This action is proposed with the intent to declare President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as incapable of executing his presidential duties and subsequently to assume the powers of acting President. The bill is grounded in claims regarding President Biden's cognitive abilities and has garnered attention from various sectors of the legislative body.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HR1373 stem from partisan divides and interpretations of the President's capabilities. Supporters of the resolution, predominantly from the Republican Party, argue that the existing evidence showcases a need for decisive action regarding the President's functionality. In contrast, opponents label the bill as politically motivated, asserting that it undermines the integrity of the presidential office and could destabilize the government's balance of power.