    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 21, 2007]
    [Pages 1003-1004]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Temporary Transfer of the Powers
    and Duties of the President of the United States
    July 21, 2007

    Dear Madam Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        This morning I will undergo a routine medical procedure requiring
    sedation. In view of present circumstances, I have determined to
    transfer temporarily my Constitutional powers and duties 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 unable to discharge the
    Constitutional 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.

    [[Page 1004]]

             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the
    Senate.