The Vice President and a majority of the President's Cabinet, with the written declaration of the President's inability to discharge the powers and duties of his office, can declare the President disabled.
This process is outlined in the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Here's how it works:
- Step 1: The Vice President and a majority of the President's Cabinet send a written declaration to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, stating that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
- Step 2: The President can then send a written declaration to the same officials, stating that he is able to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
- Step 3: If the President doesn't send a declaration, the Vice President and the Cabinet can again send a written declaration, this time to Congress, stating that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
- Step 4: Congress then votes on the matter. If a majority of both houses of Congress agree that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President becomes Acting President.
Important Notes:
- The 25th Amendment also provides for the President to voluntarily transfer power to the Vice President temporarily if they become unable to discharge the powers and duties of their office.
- The Vice President can become Acting President if the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office.
This process ensures that the country has a leader even if the President is unable to serve. It also provides a mechanism for the President to temporarily transfer power to the Vice President if they become unable to discharge the powers and duties of their office.
