Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin informed his Democratic colleagues on Friday that he plans to reintroduce legislation establishing a commission designed to evaluate presidential fitness for office, according to a House Judiciary Committee spokesperson.
The proposed “Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office” represents a revival of legislation Raskin, who serves as the top Democrat on the judiciary panel, originally proposed in 2020 during Donald Trump’s initial presidency.
Congressional Democrats have recently renewed discussions about pursuing Trump’s impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which outlines procedures for removing presidential powers through means other than impeachment.
These conversations intensified after Trump’s recent statement that “a whole civilization will die” in Iran unless that nation’s government permits unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic in the region has faced disruptions following a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran that commenced February 28.
The proposed legislation faces dim prospects in the Republican-majority House, where Speaker Mike Johnson maintains strong support for Trump.
House and Senate Republicans have successfully prevented Democratic efforts to pass separate measures aimed at ending the unauthorized Iranian conflict.
Raskin’s proposal would establish a 17-member bipartisan panel to evaluate situations where a president may be incapable of executing official responsibilities due to physical disabilities, mental impairment, substance abuse, or other disqualifying circumstances.
During his first presidency, Trump faced two impeachment trials, both resulting in Senate acquittals when Republicans controlled that chamber.
While most Democrats have previously avoided impeachment discussions, Trump’s recent Iranian military actions and his apparent lack of clearly defined strategic goals have encouraged many party members to consider presidential removal options—though this approach doesn’t enjoy universal Democratic support.
