Reagan Transfer of Power

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On July 13, 1985, United States President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery to remove cancerous polyps from his colon, resulting in the first invocation of the "Acting President" provisions of the 25th amendment.

Table of contents

1 Invocation
2 Revocation
3 See Also

Invocation

At 11:28 that morning, he transmitted the following letter to the House Speaker and President pro tempore, formally invoking the 25th amendment for the first time, transferring presidential power to George H. W. Bush as Acting President:

July 13, 1985 (1128 hours)

Dear Mr. Speaker (Dear Mr. President:)

I am about to undergo surgery during which time I will be briefly and temporarily incapable of discharging the Constitutional powers and duties of the Office of the President of the United States.

After consultation with my Counsel and the Attorney General, I am mindful of the provisions of Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution and of the uncertainties of its application to such brief and temporary periods of incapacity. I do not believe that the drafters of this Amendment intended its application to situations such as the instant one.

Nevertheless, consistent with my long-standing arrangement with Vice President George Bush, and not intending to set a precedent binding anyone privileged to hold this Office in the future, I have determined and it is my intention and direction that Vice President George Bush shall discharge those powers and duties in my stead commencing with the administration of anesthesia to me in this instance.

I shall advise you and the Vice President when I determine that I am able to resume the discharge of the Constitutional powers and duties of this Office.

May God bless this Nation and us all.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

Revocation

At 7:22 that evening, he transmitted the following letter to the House Speaker and President pro tempore, declaring himself capable of resuming presidential authority:

Dear Mr. President: (Dear Mr. Speaker:)

Following up on my letter to you of this date, please be advised I am able to resume the discharge of the Constitutional powers and duties of the Office of the President of the United States. I have informed the Vice President of my determination and my resumption of those powers and duties.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan