WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on H.Res. 21, calling for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment to remove President Donald J. Trump from office:
“The 25th amendment was designed to be used in the most extreme cases in our nation, not a political weapon to deploy against a political opponent. Last week’s events were unacceptable and un-American, and I will continue to denounce those attacks. However, it is inappropriate for Congress to instruct the vice president of the United States on how to carry out his constitutional duties.
“As laid out in the Constitution, it is solely to the discretion of the executive branch—the president’s cabinet—to determine whether or not the president should be removed based on the Constitution.
“For that reason, I voted against H.Res. 21 calling for the vice president to invoke the 25th amendment. While the House Democrats continue to take political jabs at a transitioning president, my focus is on moving forward to unite Americans and heal our country.”
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