Bush Colonoscopy; Cheney Briefly Assumed Presidential Powers
Washington — On July 21, 2007, President George W. Bush had a routine colonoscopy at Camp David. Under Section 3 of the 25th Amendment, he temporarily transferred presidential powers to Vice President Dick Cheney during sedation. The Bush colonoscopy drew attention because the transfer was brief and orderly.
Timeline at a Glance
Power transferred at 7:16 a.m. ET. Procedure ended at 7:44 a.m. ET. Authority returned to President Bush at 9:21 a.m. ET.
Who Received The Letters
The White House faxed transfer letters to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate President pro tempore Robert Byrd. Follow-up letters reclaimed authority at 9:21 a.m. ET.
Where Cheney Was
During the acting period, Dick Cheney stayed at his home in St. Michaels, Maryland.
Past Uses of Section 3
Presidents used Section 3 for temporary transfers in 1985 (Reagan to George H. W. Bush), 2002 (Bush to Cheney), 2007 (Bush to Cheney) and 2021 (Biden to Harris).
Why This Matters
Colonoscopy is a routine screening that can remove precancerous polyps. U.S. guidelines now start average-risk screening at age 45.
Further Reading
White House statement with transfer times (July 21, 2007)
The bottom line: The Bush colonoscopy showed how a president can hand off authority for a medical procedure and take it back smoothly under the 25th Amendment. That clarity kept government running and set a useful modern example.
