United States Congressman Scott DesJarlais

DESJARLAIS VOICES CONCERN TO VA SECRETARY OVER CLOSURE OF MCMINNVILLE CLINIC

Mon, 68 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, DC) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing concern over yesterday’s announcement that the McMinnville, TN VA Clinic will be closing.

Rep. DesJarlais, a physician who formerly worked in a VA hospital, wrote to Collins, noting that over 46,000 veterans live in his district and many will be forced to drive over an hour to receive healthcare services with the closing of the McMinnville clinic.

DesJarlais wrote to Collins that he and his staff were not consulted about the impending closure of the rural outpatient VA healthcare facility.

“My office received no notice prior to the public disclosure that this facility was facing staffing shortages or that these shortages would lead to the shuttering of this important VA Outpatient Clinic in my district. Leaders at the VA Clinic in McMinnville did not consult with or inform my staff or myself about the issues facing this Clinic, and the answers they gave as to why this was happening and the information they have provided to the community have been woefully inadequate. Had we been given prior notice and involved in these discussions, our office could have assisted in finding appropriate solutions and resources for those who rely on the VA and the care provided to them by the McMinnville VA clinic,” DesJarlais said in his letter.

The Tennessee congressman posed the following questions to Collins and requested a response by Wednesday, March 11, 2026:

When did discussions surrounding the closure of the McMinnville VA Outpatient first begin?
Were any local, state, or federally elected leaders involved in the discussion surrounding the closure of the McMinnville VA clinic? If no, why not?
What is the official closure date of the clinic?
What is the plan to provide healthcare to those who utilize the clinic without requiring them to drive long distances to receive services from the VA?

DesJarlais ended his letter to Secretary Collins stating that he wants to work together to come up with an adequate solution that will not impact the quality of care the veterans in his district receive.

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Congressman DesJarlais’ full letter to Secretary Collins can be found here.

DESJARLAIS EXPRESSES CONCERN TO USDA & DHS OVER ILLEGAL MIGRANT SNAP BENEFIT USE

Thu, 303 Oct 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, DC) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to United States Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern over illegal migrants potentially using SNAP benefits.

Rep. DesJarlais expressed his gratitude for the work President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Noem have done so far to ensure those who are in the U.S. illegally are unable to take advantage of social programs. He highlighted his concern that progressive state leaders across the country may still be gaming the system due to a lack of reporting requirements.

“I write to you today to express my concern that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is continuing to be utilized by illegal aliens, despite multiple Trump Administration directives, when we have American citizens who are in need. I strongly believe that without strict reporting requirements from states that manage their individual SNAP programs, corruption will occur from progressive governors and state leaders,” said DesJarlais in his letter.

The Tennessee Congressman placed blame on former President Biden’s failed open border policies for the reason the current SNAP system is being utilized by illegal migrants.

He says in the letter, “President Biden stopped the enforcement of former President Trump’s Public Charge Rule in March of 2021, which denied migrants’ entrance into the U.S. if they possessed the potential to need government welfare assistance. This enticed even more migrants to flood our southern border. We are also aware that under the direction of Biden, many migrants were granted asylum or asylum-seeking status without proper investigation or adjudication into these claims.”

Rep. DesJarlais requested answers to the following questions:

Questions for the United States Department of Agriculture:

How many Americans are currently enrolled in SNAP benefits?
How many non-American citizens are currently enrolled in SNAP benefits?

a) How many non-American citizens enrolled in SNAP benefits are minors?
b) How many non-American citizens enrolled in SNAP benefits are claiming asylum-seeking status?
c) How many non-American citizens began immediately receiving SNAP benefits based on the other nine exceptions listed above?

Are there means of tracking the number of non-American citizens who immediately receive SNAP benefits upon arriving in the United States to ensure there is not widespread fraud and abuse? If no, is this something that can be mandated to states to receive funding for their SNAP programs?
What is the annual cost to the SNAP benefits program for non-citizens who are seeking asylum?

Questions for the United States Department of Homeland Security:

•           How many migrants crossing the southern border are minors?
•           What percentage of border crossers claim they are seeking asylum?
•           What is the total number of asylum seekers currently awaiting adjudication?
•           What is the average wait time for adjudication for asylum seekers?
•           What percentage of those seeking asylum are granted asylum?

He ended the letter by saying he is grateful for the work the Trump Administration has done so far to remediate the devastating impact Biden’s open border policies have had on Americans. DesJarlais says he hopes to partner with Rollins and Noem to continue this work.

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Congressman DesJarlais’ full letter to Secretary Rollins and Secretary Noem can be found HERE.

DESJARLAIS PRAISES TRUMP’S DECISION TO MOVE SPACE COMMAND TO HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

Tue, 245 Sep 2025 12:00:00 EST

DESJARLAIS PRAISES TRUMP’S DECISION TO MOVE SPACE COMMAND TO HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2025

CONTACT: ALEX SWISHER (931) 503-4023

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) released the following statement praising President Donald J. Trump’s decision to move Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama.

(DesJarlais pictured in front of model rockets at the United Launch Alliance factory outside of Huntsville, AL in 2022.)

“Promises made, promises kept! Studies found Huntsville, Alabama to be the best suited place for Space Force to set up its headquarters. It was wrong of the previous administration to put politics ahead of what was best for this branch of our military.

Almost 7,000 of my constituents from Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District commute into the Huntsville area for work every day bringing their expertise to NASA, the MDA, Redstone Arsenal, and multiple aerospace and defense contractors in the area. I am grateful for the work they do and how they represent our district. These people are one of the many reasons Huntsville is the best place for Space Force to call home.”

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DESJARLAIS CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL

Thu, 142 May 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) released the following statement praising passage of H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“What a tremendous day for our great Nation! House Republicans passed H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act!

This legislation: Gives the largest PERMANENT tax cut in history to the middle class, unleashes American energy production, secures our southern border and strengthens our military.

The good folks of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District have given me one mandate: advance President Trump’s agenda. This morning, I am proud to say I have done just that.”

Last night, Rep. DesJarlais oversaw the rule debate on H.R. 1.

The bill now moves on to the Senate for final passage.

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DESJARLAIS CHAIRS FIRST STRAT FORCES HEARING OF 119th CONGRESS

Thu, 100 Apr 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Yesterday, Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) gaveled in his first hearing as chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

The hearing was a posture review of the U.S. strategic forces’ capabilities.

Members of the subcommittee had the opportunity to hear from and question, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command General Anthony Cotton, Commander of U.S. Space Command General Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Northern Command General Gregory Guillot, and Mr. John Hill, who is currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, within the Office of the Secretary of Defense

DesJarlais said in his opening statement, “I think it’s worth noting that the three officers in front of us today represent different combatant commands, with different missions, and different priorities, but they each face a common problem. All of you are responsible for mission areas where the United States once enjoyed superiority, but we are now increasingly confronted by adversaries.”

The Tennessee congressman was interested in hearing from witnesses about their assessment of the current threat environment.

“Our adversaries recognized the foundational role that each of these mission areas play in our defense strategy. They cannot compete with our conventional forces, so they have chosen to target our homeland, hold our space systems at risk, and expand their nuclear arsenals to challenge our deterrent. These threats have been building for some time, but the pace is accelerating.”

DesJarlais concluded his opening statement with saying that he believes the House Armed Services Strategic Forcessubcommittee is the most important committee in Congress.

“These growing threats and how we as a nation choose to respond to them is why I really do believe this is the most important subcommittee in Congress.”

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The full Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on April 9, 2025 can be found HERE.

DESJARLAIS REINTRODUCES PROTECTING HORSES FROM SORING ACT

Mon, 83 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) announced today that he has reintroduced the Protecting Horses from Soring Act into the 119^th Congress.

(Rep. DesJarlais rides a Tennessee Walking Horse in January 2023 in Shelbyville, TN.)

Rep. DesJarlais said, “For years the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry has been subjected to egregious overburdensome regulations by the federal government. No one understands the unique care these animals require more than their loving owners.”

The Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2025 (H.R. 1675) requires USDA to work with the Horse Industry Organization to establish industry-specific regulations and properly trained inspectors.

“Tennessee Walking Horses have a unique gate and stature. For far too long The United States Department of Agriculture has made up arbitrary regulations that are overly generalized and far off base from the capabilities of the horses who compete in this industry,” he said.

The Tennessee Congressman says he’s proud that the billion-dollar tourism industry is located right in the heart of the Fourth Congressional District.

“The annual Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration is something everyone should experience. People come from all over the country to be a part of this historic ceremony and compete against the best in the world. Families of multiple generations pass down these time-honored traditions of caring for these majestic horses.”

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DESJARLAIS TO TRUMP: YOU EARNED THIS NIGHT

Tue, 63 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) released the following statement praising President Donald J. Trump’s 2025 State of the Union address.

“President Trump laid out a clear path forward for the United States to enrich our economy, strengthen our national defense, and restore American energy independence.

Tonight was a night to celebrate the many accomplishments his team has made so far. The Trump Administration has been hard at work eliminating woke DEI policies, overburdensome regulations, and wasteful government spending. Most importantly, after four long years of open borders under the Biden Administration, President Trump was able to tell the American people that illegal migrant border crossings have hit a historic low.

The behavior that was displayed by those on the Left tonight were unconscionable. Proper respect and decorum for the president is expected out of any decent human being, especially those elected to serve in the United States Congress. Make no mistake, these antics will not deter the focus House Republicans have to deliver on our promise to further advance the America first agenda.”

Rep. DesJarlais was able to congratulate President Trump as he left the House chambers.

“Thank you, Mr. President, you earned this night.”

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Video of Rep. DesJarlais congratulating President Trump can be found HERE.

DESJARLAIS PRAISES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR ENDING MIGRANT SNAP ABUSE

Fri, 59 Feb 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) praises President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for their decision to stop all SNAP benefits for illegal migrants.

“Thank you, President Trump and Secretary Rollins, for putting the needs of American citizens first. SNAP was designed to ensure that United States citizens with food insecurity get the assistance they need. Thank you for ensuring our taxpayer dollars are not spent on criminals who cross our border illegally.”

Rep. DesJarlais noted that he has been raising the issue of rampant abuse of the SNAP benefits program by criminal border crossers. He says President Biden’s U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas never acknowledged the problem.

“Democrats, led by the Biden Administration and their high-ranking officials, were complicit in refusing to acknowledge legitimate questions into this matter. My letter and questions Vilsack and Mayorkas demanding answers to how many non-U.S. citizens were enrolled in the SNAP benefits program went unanswered.”

The Tennessee congressman raised consistent questions to President Biden’s USDA and DHS about migrant SNAP benefit use:

April 2022 DesJarlais questioned USDA Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean

June 2022 DesJarlais questioned Connecticut SNAP Program Administration Manager

June 2022 DesJarlais speaks with Just the News regarding migrant SNAP benefits

March 2023 DesJarlais questions USDA Secretary Vilsack

March 2023 DesJarlais sends letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack and DHS Secretary Mayorkas

“I am glad to see that the entire Trump Administration is committed to ending the abuse of this much-needed program for many American citizens.”

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DESJARLAIS RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) today witnessed President Donald Trump’s historic swearing in for his second term in office.

“President Trump’s speech today gave the American people hope. Hope that we will once again make our national security a top priority so that our citizens will not live in fear. Hope that we will restore our economy so that families have relief at the grocery store and the gas pumps. Hope that the American dream will live on for generations to come.”

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DESJARLAIS ANNOUNCES SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) announced today that he will be chairing the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

CREDIT: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, August 2023 Singapore CODEL.

DesJarlais was tapped to lead the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces for the 119^th U.S. Congress. This committee deals with Department of Defense and Department of Energy policies related but not limited to: strategic deterrence, strategic stability, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and space.

“I am also excited to announce my new chairmanship on the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Tennessee’s military installations are some of the best in the country and I know that the hard work of this committee will continue to advance our capabilities. I want to thank Chairman Mike Rogers for the privilege to serve in this capacity.”

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The full description of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee can be found HERE.

DESJARLAIS SWORN INTO 119th CONGRESS

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) was sworn into the 119^th United States Congress today, January 3^rd, 2024.

(DesJarlais family pictured for swearing in of the 119th Congress. From left to right: Tatiana DesJarlais, Ryan DesJarlais, Rep. Scott DesJarlais, Maggie DesJarlais, Amy DesJarlais, Tyler Privette, and Hannah Privette.)

“I want to thank the good people of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District for entrusting to me the privilege to serve our great district. I look forward to working to advance President-elect Trump’s agenda to make life better for all Americans,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

DESJARLAIS SENDS LETTER TO ICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Thu, 277 Oct 2024 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner requesting answers for the lack of data and tracking of illegal migrant juveniles committing crimes and that there is no vetting process for juvenile border crossers.

“In addition to the 662,566 illegal aliens with criminal records that are freely roaming the U.S., creating broad national security risks, it appears that no government entity is currently tracking undocumented minors with criminal history, nor are minors attempting to seek entry undergoing any sort of vetting process,” DesJarlais states in his letter.

The Tennessee congressman points out that there is a growing number of reports around the U.S. of illegal alien juveniles who are committing violent crimes. In his own state of Tennessee just this last summer three illegal migrant teenagers robbed a gun store. And in New York City where an 11-year-old undocumented boy was arrested for being the primary aggressor in a subway robbery. Also in Louisiana, Governor Landry has stated that several gangs are recruiting undocumented minors to commit crimes on their behalf.

"These stories represent just a few of the mounting criminal reports nationwide. It is baffling to me and millions of other Americans that even though there has been a significant number of crimes reported amongst juvenile illegal immigrants, the Biden-Harris Administration has not instituted any type of vetting for gang affiliation or a simple criminal background check of minors crossing the border illegally,” he wrote.

Rep. DesJarlais concluded the letter by asking Lechleitner a comprehensive series of questions about the number of undocumented minors committing crimes and the vetting process for juvenile border crossers.

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Congressman DesJarlais’ full letter to Deputy Director Lechleitner can be found here.

DESJARLAIS STATEMENT ON TRUMP RALLY INCIDENT

Sat, 195 Jul 2024 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)– Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) responds to apparent shots at a rally for former President Donald Trump.

“First of all, let’s be thankful that reports are President Trump is safe. We are praying for the other innocent attendees and their families impacted by this act of violence.

Political violence is never acceptable, and the threats made time and again against President Trump over the years have made today’s event feel like a formality.

Let’s all be thankful that this did not turn out to be worse, and Amy and I are grateful that Donald Trump is safe. As the investigation continues, let’s work to make sure this does not happen again.”

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DESJARLAIS REACTS TO TRUMP GUILTY VERDICT

Thu, 151 May 2024 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) released the following statement after a New York City jury found former President Trump guilty on 34 counts.

“The New York Courts continue to pursue cases and reach predetermined verdicts that would never be charged and tried with any other citizen.

This is political warfare that continues to frustrate and anger so many voters across this country and will likely only serve to solidify and embolden Donald Trump’s supporters.”

DESJARLAIS RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S LAST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Thu, 67 Mar 2024 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden made his last State of the Union address.

“President Biden’s speech tonight is further proof that he and his Administration are out of touch with the American people and the very serious issues facing our country. The entire speech was incredibly divisive and an attempt to win over the most far-Left in his party.

Under his leadership, over 7 million illegal migrants have entered the United States. Over 100,000 citizens are dying of drug overdoses per year and being murdered by dangerous unvetted border crossers. Inflation has skyrocketed. American families are struggling to make ends meet. Our adversaries have been emboldened by Biden’s weak national security policies and lack of deterrence efforts.

His speech was calloused, and he never once accepted responsibility for the damage and destruction he has caused our great Nation. The clear attempt to further divide our country was abominable. This speech was not that of a President of the United States, but that of a man no longer completely in control of his own thoughts and emotions and being controlled on the strings of his far-Left puppeteers. President Biden’s efforts to win over the American people in the wake of an election year have fallen flat.”

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DESJARLAIS SENDS LETTER TO MAYORKAS QUESTIONING DHS RELEASE OF 573 MIGRANTS TO TENNESEE

Fri, 33 Feb 2024 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) authored a letter to Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing concern after a recent letter to the City of Franklin from his department surfaced notifying the municipality that 573 migrants had declared their intent to relocate to Middle Tennessee.

DesJarlais questioned Mayorkas on why DHS would release migrants who have been processed for expedited removal.

“As Fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, and other violent crimes are on the rise due to your blatant disregard for following immigration laws on the books and leaving our border unsecure, it is of great concern to know that per your letter you are releasing “noncitizens who have been processed for expedited removal.” If these migrants have been processed for expedited removal, why are they being released?” He wrote.

The Tennessee congressman noted that under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, DHS is required to immediately remove illegal aliens who fail to produce proper documentation or attempt to falsify information to gain entry into the U.S.

“How can a migrant without documentation or who makes fraudulent claims be properly screened and vetted? This is a serious and egregious national security risk posed to our Tennessee citizens who may encounter illegal migrant criminals unknowingly,” DesJarlais said in his letter.

Rep. DesJarlais said, “The letter that DHS sent to the City of Franklin raises more questions than it answers. Our federal, state and local leaders need to know, if there are unaccompanied minors that could be in danger, what sort of potential taxpayer resources are these migrants going to require, and how many more are on the way since this letter was sent. It’s also critical to ensure that those with reporting requirements are showing up to their court dates and regularly reporting their whereabouts to DHS. Most importantly, we need to get to the bottom of why DHS themselves said that some of the migrants released have already been processed for expedited removal.”

Rep. DesJarlais concluded the letter with asking Mayorkas a comprehensive series of questions about the 573 migrants who have declared their intent to make their way to Middle Tennessee.

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Congressman DesJarlais’ full letter to Secretary Mayorkas can be found here.

REP. DESJARLAIS TO SERVE AS HASC CORE CONFEREE DURING NDAA CONFERENCE

Wed, 263 Sep 2023 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, DC)–House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appointed Representative Scott DesJarlais on Tuesday, September 19^th, to serve as a core conferee during the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference.

The House and Senate each passed their own versions of the NDAA. In order for the bill to move on to President Biden’s desk, each chamber must pass the same version of the bill.

“I am honored to be chosen as a conferee. Ensuring that our military is fully funded is our best line of defense against our adversaries,” said DesJarlais. “I will work to make sure that Arnold Air Force Base, Fort Campbell, Y12 National Security Complex, and other Tennessee military assets have the resources they need to continue providing valuable capabilities to our armed forces.”

House and Senate members appointed as conferees will negotiate and vote on a final version of the bill that will then be sent back to House and Senate floor to be voted on by all members.

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Rep. Scott DesJarlais on Trump Federal Indictment Reports

Fri, 160 Jun 2023 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, DC)–The following statement was issued by Congressman Scott DesJarlais on reports of the federal indictment of Donald Trump.

“It was not too long ago in American history that it was sacrosanct that the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation remain non-political.

Despite the appointment of a Special Prosecutor, the actions and statements of the investigators and attorneys involved leave many unanswered and disturbing questions about this principle. The Justice Department should unseal this indictment immediately and share with the American people all of the facts and information that it has gathered.

Justice should be blind, and it should be applied evenly, fairly, and consistent with previous actions by other former Presidents and the current President. It should never be used as a means to a political end game.

What is happening now is a dangerous moment for our country, and it has the potential of permanently scarring the confidence and trust of Americans in the federal justice system.”

USDA/DHS LETTER

Wed, 81 Mar 2023 12:00:00 EST

USDA/DHS LETTER

Rep. DesJarlais Introduces Presidential Candidate Cognitive Requirements Act

Tue, 52 Feb 2023 12:00:00 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)– Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) officially introduced the Presidential Candidate Cognitive Requirements Act today.

The bill would amend the Constitution to require that any presidential and vice-presidential candidate prove cognitive competency in order to be on the ballot.

The Tennessee congressman believes that this should be a nonpartisan issue.

Representative DesJarlais said in an exclusive with the Washington Examiner, “This should be a completely nonpartisan issue and all Americans deserve leaders that are mentally competent. How this is not already a requirement codified in law defies logic.”

Like most amendments to the Constitution, Congress will enforce this through appropriate legislation.

Rep. DesJarlais, a former family medicine doctor, is currently working with the GOP Doctors Caucus to write the companion legislation outlining what tests would need to be passed to be deemed cognitively competent and set up a nonpartisan committee of doctors to administer the test to avoid political targeting.

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You can read the full exclusive here.