On Tuesday (Jan. 12), Vice President Mike Pence formally rebuffed Pelosi’s request to activate the 25th Amendment to impeach the president of the United States. In a letter to House Speaker Pelosi, Pence pointed out that the 25th Amendment is for situations where the president dies, becomes too ill to attend to his official duties, or resigns, and is not for punishing the president or usurping power. Congress should stop all moves that could further fragment the country.
The full text of Pence’s official statement is translated below.
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Madam Speaker.
Every American was shocked and saddened by last week’s attack on the Capitol. I am here to thank you and other congressional leaders for your leadership in reconvening Congress and fulfilling the mission the people gave us on that same day. In that moment, we showed the American people that Congress will stand together at a time when unity is most needed.
But now, with only eight days left in this presidential term, you and the Democratic Caucus are asking the Administration’s Cabinet and myself to activate the 25th Amendment. I believe such an action is neither in the interest of our country nor in accordance with our Constitution. Last week, I did not cave in to outside pressure, exceed my constitutional authority to exercise power and determine the outcome of an election; then, now, I will not cave in to the House of Representatives and engage in political games at a time when the fate of our nation is so at stake.
You are also well aware that the 25th Amendment is designed to deal with situations such as presidential incapacity or disability. Just a few months ago, when you introduced the legislative 25th Amendment, you said, “The competency of the President to hold office must be determined by science and facts.” You also said at the time that we must “be very respectful and not make judgments based on comments or actions we don’t like, but on medical decisions. Madam Speaker of the House, you are right. Under the Constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or usurpation of power. By initiating the 25th Amendment in this manner, we would be setting a terrible precedent.
After last week’s horrific events, our government’s energy is focused on an orderly transition. The Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a time for everything under heaven …… There is a time to heal, …… there is also a time to build up.” It’s talking about right now. In this time of a global pandemic, economic hardship for millions of Americans, and the tragic events of January 6, it is time that we should unite together, a time for healing.
I urge you and every member of Congress to avoid any action that would further divide the country and inflame partisan sentiment. For a smooth transition to the next President Biden, we should work together to cool down (the divisive situation) and reunite our country. I assure you that I will do my best to work with the incoming administration to ensure an orderly transition of power. May God bless me.
Sincerely.
Mike R. Pence
Vice President of the United States of America
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