Bush underwent follow-up colonoscopy on June 29, 2002, at Camp David. He denied signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, but underwent the procedure to be "super-cautious" about his health 1. The results of the examination were reported to be normal. Supposedly, another of the reasons Bush underwent the procedure was "to underscore its importance for people over 50 who are at risk" 2.
Before the 20-minute procedure, Bush invoked
section 3
of the
25th Amendment,
temporarily transferring Presidential powers to Vice President Cheney
SEE BELOW
-- the first time an official transfer of power had been made under that provision of the Constitution.
Bush commented: "I'm the first president to have done so (transferred power) under this
type of procedure and/or physical examination. I did so because we're at war"
2.
Comment:
It is often written that
Ronald Reagan
used section 3 of the 25th Amendment to transfer power to his Vice President on July 13,
1985 before undergoing surgery for colon cancer. However, Reagan did not explicitly invoke
the 25th Amendement
3a.
Details of the procedure were released MORE. Bush will likely undergo repeat colonoscopy in 5 years 2.
June 29, 2002With the following letter to the Speaker of the House 5 (and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate), Bush reasserted power:Dear Mr. President:
As my staff has previously communicated to you, I will undergo this morning 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.
Accordingly, 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 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,
GEORGE W. BUSH
June 29, 2002Interestingly, these letters were faxed, not hand-delivered, to their recipients 1.Dear Mr. Speaker:
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 able to resume the discharge of the Constitutional powers and duties of the office of President of the United States. With the transmittal of this letter, I am resuming those powers and duties effective immediately.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
Also note that I have preserved the exact punctuation of the White House web page. It's beyond me why the President's staff feels it necessary to SHOUT HIS NAME all in capitals.
Comment: Accessed from www.washingtonpost.com |
Comment: Original URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/06/20020629-4.html · Also see: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Presidential_Letters_on_Transfer_and_Return_of_United_States_Constitutional_Powers_(29_June_2002) |
Comment: Original URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/06/20020629-3.html · Also see: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Presidential_Letters_on_Transfer_and_Return_of_United_States_Constitutional_Powers_(29_June_2002) |