House Dem seeks to create commission on 'presidential capacity'

'A House Democrat is introducing legislation that would establish a commission to determine whether a president is unfit for office.

Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-Md.) bill seeks to create the Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity to fill a role outlined by the Constitution’s 25th Amendment, which sets up presidential removal procedures.

The 25th Amendment states that the vice president and a majority of either the president’s Cabinet “or of such other body as Congress may by law provide” can declare that they believe a president cannot fulfill his or her official duties.

If a president refuses to step down, two-thirds of both the House and Senate could vote to force the ouster.

"The 25th Amendment was adopted 50 years ago, but Congress has never set up the body it calls for to determine presidential fitness in the event of physical or psychological incapacity. Now is the time to do it," Raskin said in a statement Friday.
Raskin wants to provide a specific “body” comprised of 10 physicians, psychiatrists and retired former leaders — like presidents and vice presidents — chosen by House and Senate leaders of both parties. The commission’s chair would be chosen by the 10 appointed members. . .

Raskin isn’t the only Democrat to offer legislation to enhance presidential removal procedures since Trump took office.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced a bill last month to give former presidents and vice presidents of both parties, in coordination with the sitting vice president, to authority to determine if a president is fit for office.'>>>

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/333193-house-dem-seeks-to-create-commission-on-presidential-capacity#.WRZDHvI9OpU.facebook