US President Joe Biden will transfer power to Vice President Kamala Harris for a “brief” period Friday, November 19, as he is under anesthesia for a Colonoscopy, which is part of his regular health check-up, the White House said.
Biden’s temporary transfer of power to Kamala Harris
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement “As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period when he is under anesthesia,” the statement further added, “The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time.”
How does the Transfer of Power take place?
In Accordance to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, President Biden will sign a letter to the pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives, saying he is unable to discharge his duties during anesthesia, making Vice President Harris the acting President,
Later, will send them another letter upon the conclusion of the procedure to resume his duties. Harris, the first woman, person of color, and person of South Asian descent to be vice president, will be making history during the short period she is serving as acting president of the United States.
Joe Biden’s medical history
Joe Biden, last full check was upheld in December 2019, when doctors found him to be ‘healthy, vigorous’ and ‘fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency,’ according to a doctor’s report at the time. President Biden is the oldest person to serve as US President, and interest in his health has been high since he declared his candidacy for the White House in 2019. This would be his first medical checkup as President.
