Cole speaks against resolution urging Pence to invoke 25th Amendment

After Pence refused to block the certification of Electoral College votes, “Donald Trump led the country to a place we have never seen any president take us before,” McGovern said.

“He called together an angry mob. He filled them with falsehoods and false hope. And then he sent them to the United States Capitol. Once here, their defiant support for the president led to a riot in the halls of the Capitol.”

McGovern said he wished Trump would resign.

“But he is apparently unwilling to do so,” McGovern said. “It is past time for the Vice President to do the right thing here.”

Cole said the events of Jan. 6 were “horrific” and would “cast a long shadow on the Congress in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

But he said Congress has no role in Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, which outlines the process for the vice president to convene the cabinet to decide whether the president is fit to serve.

“And though Congress may designate another body besides the Cabinet to exercise this power, to date it has not done so, nor is it achieved by this resolution,” Cole said.

Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif., arguing for the legislation, said, “Trump incited this attack and there should be no question what Vice President Pence needs to do right now.”