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THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
January 12, 2021
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Madam Speaker:
Every American was shocked and saddened by the attack on our Nation’s Capitol last week, and Tam
‘grateful for the leadership that you and other congressional leaders provided in reconvening Congress
to complete the people’s business on the very same day. It was a moment that demonstrated to the
American people the unity that is still possible in Congress when it is needed most.
But now, with just eight days left in the President's term, you and the Democratic Caucus are
demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment. Ido not believe that such a course of
action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution. Last week, I did not
yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the
election, and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a
time so serious in the life of our Nation.
As you know full well, the 25th Amendment was designed to address Presidential incapacity or
disability. Justa few months ago, when you introduced legislation to create a 25th Amendment
Commission, you said, “[a] President's fitness for office must be determined by science and facts.”
You said then that we must be “[vlery respectful of not making a judgment on the basis of a comment
or behavior that we don’t like, but based on a medical decision.” Madam Speaker, you were right.
Under our Constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or usurpation. Invoking
the 25th Amendment in such a manner would set a terrible precedent.
After the horrific events of this last week, our Administration’s energy is directed to ensuring an
orderly transition, The Bible says that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose
under heaven....a time to heal, ... and a time to build up.” That time is now. In the midst of a global
pandemic, economic hardship for millions of Americans, and the tragic events of January 6th, now is,
the time for us to come together, now is the time to heal.
urge you and every member of Congress to avoid actions that would further divide and inflame the
passions of the moment. Work with us to lower the temperature and unite our country as we prepare to
inaugurate President-elect Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. I pledge to you that I
will continue to do my part to work in good faith with the incoming administration to ensure an orderly
transition of power. So help me God.
Sincerely,
