Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Calling on Vice President Pence to Convene and Mobilize the Cabinet to Activate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to Declare President Donald J. Trump Incapable of Executing the Duties of His Office; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule.

Over the last week, we have heard calls from both parties' leaders, past and present, about the need for unity in our Nation. We have heard President-elect Biden and other members of the Democratic Party call for unity, a path forward for our Nation full of mutual consideration and respect.

Yet here we are today with Democrats charging in the opposite direction, further dividing our Nation by calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment by the Vice President.

Let's consider this for a moment. My Democratic colleagues are demanding Vice President Pence invoke the 25th Amendment and take over as President. With these calls, it is clear they have full faith in the Vice President and his ability to act in a manner that is consistent with his constitutional responsibility. Simply put, they trust him to do the job.

Yet the very demand they are making insinuates that Vice President Pence cannot be trusted to make the decision to invoke the 25th Amendment on his own. It calls into question the core of his judgment.

If you trust someone to lead our Nation and be the acting President, shouldn't you also trust that same person to take the steps necessary to safeguard it if needed?

With that, I urge opposition to the rule.

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