Biden reassumes presidential powers after brief transfer to Harris

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden has reassumed the powers of his post after a brief transfer to Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday while he underwent a medical procedure.

Biden notified Sen. Patrick Leahy, the president pro tempore of the Senate, of his resumption in a letter, saying he is "able to discharge the powers and duties of the Office of the President of the United States," and adding that he is "resuming those powers and duties."

The president briefly transferred his authorities to Harris while he underwent a colonoscopy at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland during a routine physical ahead of his 79th birthday on Saturday. The White House stressed in announcing the development that It is not unusual for a president to transfer power to his number two while undergoing anesthesia.

"As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anesthesia," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Psaki said on Twitter that Biden spoke with Harris and Chief of Staff Ron Klain by telephone at about 11:35 a.m. local time (1635 GMT), and was "in good spirits and at that time resumed his duties."

"He will remain at Walter Reed as he completes the rest of his routine physical," she added.

The White House is expected to release a summary of Biden's physical Friday afternoon.