Establishing the Select Committee on President Biden's Cognitive Decline.
Impact
The establishment of this committee may have significant implications for the perception of executive authority and responsibility within the U.S. government. This resolution raises questions regarding the limitations of presidential power and the mechanisms available to Congress for oversight of the executive branch. By evaluating the actions and capabilities of President Biden, it attempts to ensure accountability and public assurance regarding the mental fitness of the nation’s leader. As a result, the proceedings could influence future legislation on similar oversight matters.
Summary
House Resolution 477 establishes a Select Committee focused on investigating the cognitive decline of President Biden. The initiative stems from allegations of a coverup regarding the extent of his mental health issues, with supporters emphasizing the need for transparency in leadership. The committee's core responsibilities include probing into the circumstances surrounding the alleged coverup, identifying who has been acting in the President's stead, and evaluating relevant evidence from various levels of government.
Contention
Critics of HR477 may argue that this move is politically motivated, suggesting it is a strategy to undermine President Biden rather than a genuine inquiry into executive competency. Opponents may view the establishment of this committee as an unnecessary escalation that could foster distrust in the presidency and politicize an issue that should prioritally focus on health and wellness. The politicization of cognitive health discussions may hinder constructive debates about mental health policies at large and perceptions of leadership efficacy.
Calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Joseph R. Biden incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as Acting President.
Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary.
Authorizing and directing the Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2025, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2026-FY2034, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases or decreases the deficit by specified amounts. The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2025-FY2034 forfederal revenues,new budget authority,budget outlays,deficits,public debt,debt held by the public, andthe major functional categories of spending.It also recommends levels and amounts for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses for the purpose of budget enforcement in the Senate.The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct several House and Senate committees to report legislation that will increase or decrease the deficit over FY2025-FY2034 by specified amounts. The committees must submit the legislation to the applicable congressional budget committee by March 7, 2025. (Under current law, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.)In addition, the resolution establishes reserve funds that allow certain adjustments to committee allocations and other budgetary levels to accommodate (1) reconciliation legislation, and (2) legislation that would not increase the deficit over FY2025-FY2034. The resolution also exempts reconciliation legislation that complies with this resolution from various budget points of order.Finally, the resolution sets forth budget enforcement procedures that address issues such as adjustments to committee allocations and the budgetary treatment of the discretionary administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service.
An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.