Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

November 19, 2021

The Honorable Patrick Leahy President Pro Tempore United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Leahy:

Today I will undergo a routine medical procedure requiring sedation. In view of present circumstances, I have determined to transfer temporarily the powers and duties of the office of President of the United States to the Vice President during the brief period of the procedure and recovery.

In accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, this letter shall constitute my written declaration that I am presently unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of the President of the United States.

Pursuant to section 3, the Vice President shall discharge those powers and duties as Acting President until I transmit to you a written declaration that I am able to resume the discharge of those powers and duties.

Sincerely,

JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Categories: Communications to Congress : Temporary transfer of Presidential powers and duties, letters.

Names: Harris, Kamala D.; Leahy, Patrick J.

Subjects: Presidency, U.S. : Temporary transfer of powers and duties to Vice President during medical procedure; White House Office : Vice President.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100985.

1