Republican Rep. Demands Politicians Be Tested For Mental Fitness

Republican Representative Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee is calling for proof of mental fitness for anyone seeking to serve as president of the United States.

"DesJarlais called for an amendment to the Constitution this week that requires people to show proof of 'cognitive competence' as a condition of being on the ballot for president or vice president," reports Fox News.

The amendment from DesJarlais says, "No person shall be eligible to hold the office of President or Vice President unless the person demonstrates cognitive competence."

The amendment also gives Congress the authority to enforce this through "appropriate legislation," saying that it would be left to Congress to decide the best way to test candidates for president and vice president.

"The bill was introduced just days after presidential candidate Nikki Haley made age an issue by calling for 'mental competency tests' for lawmakers who are older than 75. When Haley announced her candidacy last week, she said it was time for the 'permanent politician' to retire and added that while America is not past its prime, 'our politicians are past theirs,'" reports Fox News.

DesJarlais, a former doctor, said he believes requiring some form of competency test will be a requirement that has bipartisan support.

Source: Fox News