January 12, 2021

Rep. Takano to Vote for Resolution Calling on Vice President Pence to Invoke the 25th Amendment to Remove Trump from Office

Washington, D.C. – Tonight, following last Wednesday’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol incited by President Trump, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) will vote in support of H. Res. 21, a resolution calling upon Vice President Mike Pence to immediately use his powers under section 4 of the 25th Amendment to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments to declare that the President is unable to successfully discharge the duties and powers of his office, and to transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House notice that he will be immediately assuming the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

“President Trump has exhibited dangerous, anti-democratic behavior. He has shown that he is a clear and present danger to our Republic and our Constitution, and has no concern for the rule of law, therefore, he must be removed from office before he causes further damage to our democracy in his final days. On January 6, he incited a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that disrupted Congress’ constitutional duty, threatened the lives of lawmakers, staff, and civilians, and led to five deaths. There must be consequences for those who participated in this act of domestic terrorism and for everyone who enabled these seditious efforts, especially the President of the United States. 

“The threat that was on display on January 6 has not subsided, and the President has yet to act forcefully to quell the anti-democratic sentiments of his supporters. That is why tonight, I will vote in support of a resolution calling on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. Donald Trump presents an ongoing threat to our Republic and its people -- he must be removed from office immediately. I urge the vice president, the remaining members of the Cabinet, and my Republican colleagues to put partisan politics aside, to uphold their oath to our Constitution, and to act in the best interest of our nation.

“If Vice President Pence and the Cabinet fail to act, Congress will hold President Trump accountable. Tomorrow, the House will be voting to impeach him for inciting an insurrection. In this dire moment, we must exhaust all options available to prevent him from causing more harm.” 

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Press Contact

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