1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW PROCESS BEFORE A CRISIS I urge you to support and actively advance draft legislation introduced by Jamie Raskin titled the Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office Act. This proposal would create an independent bipartisan commission to review presidential capacity and provide a structured, evidence-based assessment instead of leaving the country to rely on guesswork in a moment of danger. Congress has never established a standing review process of this kind. That gap leaves the nation exposed at precisely the moments when clear judgment matters most - during war, nuclear risk, or major diplomatic crisis. RECENT EVENTS SHOW WHY THIS SAFEGUARD IS NEEDED Recent high-stakes presidential statements and public conduct - particularly in national security and foreign policy - have underscored the need for a clear, independent review process. Congress should not have to rely on rumor, partisan spin, or improvisation when national security, diplomacy, and public trust may all be affected at once. CONGRESS NEEDS A TRUSTED INDEPENDENT FACT-FINDING PROCESS The proposed commission would not remove a president and would not itself invoke constitutional procedures. Its purpose is different and still important: to create an informed, independent public assessment when presidential capacity becomes a serious national concern. A formal review process would create a clear factual record and provide a more responsible basis for congressional judgment and public understanding, especially when uncertainty could carry serious national consequences. A NEUTRAL REVIEW PROCESS PROTECTS THE PRESIDENCY ITSELF This commission would apply equally to any president, regardless of party. Illness, cognitive decline, impairment, or other forms of incapacity are not partisan risks. A credible review process protects the presidency, strengthens continuity of government, and reassures the public that serious concerns will be evaluated responsibly rather than ignored, minimized, or exploited. CONGRESS SHOULD ADVANCE THIS LEGISLATION NOW I urge you to: (1) Publicly support this legislation. (2) Press relevant committees and leadership to hold hearings and move the proposal forward. (3) State clearly that Congress should establish an independent review mechanism for presidential capacity. (4) Work on a bipartisan basis to refine and enact a durable commission process that the public can trust. CONGRESS SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE NATION EXPOSED Presidential decisions can affect war, diplomacy, markets, and national stability within hours. Congress should not wait for a deeper crisis before establishing an independent process to evaluate presidential capacity. Failing to act leaves the country exposed at the very moments when sound judgment matters most. Acting now would strengthen public trust, protect continuity of government, and better safeguard the nation. Thank you.