This archive report was first published on 19 November 2021.
On November 19, 2021, President Joe Biden underwent a routine colonoscopy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington's suburbs.
As part of the procedure, Biden transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris, who was acting as President for approximately two hours.
According to the White House, Biden drove to the medical center early in the morning and was under anesthesia during the procedure.
During her acting role, Harris was spotted arriving at the White House on Friday morning and later departed for Columbus, Ohio, to represent Biden at an infrastructure event.
Biden resumed his duties as commander-in-chief just before noon and sent a formal letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Patrick Leahy, notifying them that he had regained consciousness.
The transfer of power was in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, which states that the Vice President shall assume the powers and duties of the President if the President is unable to discharge them.
