Presidential Letters on Transfer and Return of United States Constitutional Powers (21 July 2007)

On 21 July 2007, President George Walker Bush sent a letter to the President pro tempore of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives informing them of a temporary transfer of Constitutional powers to Vice President Richard Cheney. Later the same day, a letter followed signaling return of Constitutional powers to President Bush. Following are the texts of each of these two letters.

Transfer of Constitutional Powers
July 21, 2007

Dear Madame 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.

Sincerely,





Return of Constitutional Powers
July 21, 2007

Dear Madame Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

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 the President of the United States. With the transmittal of this letter, I am resuming those powers and duties effective immediately.

Sincerely,