A House Financial Services Committee hearing became heated Tuesday when Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen was questioned about President Joe Biden’s cognitive health. The incident highlighted the growing concerns among lawmakers about Biden’s mental fitness following his recent debate performance.
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York asked Yellen whether she had observed any cognitive decline in Biden during their meetings. Yellen defended Biden, describing him as “extremely effective” in various meetings, including lengthy international ones. Lawler’s follow-up question about observing any decline led to an objection from Democratic Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, who argued that Yellen was not a physician and thus not qualified to answer.
Lawler clarified that he sought Yellen’s personal observations, not a medical opinion. The exchange escalated when Beatty demanded that Lawler’s words be taken down. The presiding officer, Republican Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri, intervened to maintain order.
Lawler then asked if there had been any discussions among cabinet members about invoking the 25th Amendment. Yellen replied, “No.”
Biden’s age and mental fitness have been recurring issues, with concerns intensified by his debate performance and instances where he has mentioned speaking with deceased individuals. Calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to reconsider his re-election bid have been growing louder, adding to the scrutiny of his health.
