Matt Gaetz: 'I'd Be Concerned About Giving Biden a Code to My Garage Door Opener'
Republican Rep. weighs in on Biden having access to nuclear codes
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Calls from Democrats to remove Joe Biden's sole authority to order a nuclear attack have generated some resistance from Republicans.
Almost three dozen House Democrats called on Biden to relinquish his sole authority to launch nuclear weapons.
The news comes amid the latest appeal to reform the command-and-control structure so that no single person can initiate a nuclear war, Fox News reported.
The Dems now want Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to agree on a nuclear launch order.
But Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said he opposes the Democrats' effort:
"It appears to be a governing strategy for the Biden administration, with short days, lacking sufficient rigor to lead a great country," Gaetz said.
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"You look at a growing number of Democrats who are now concerned about giving Joe Biden the codes for the nuclear system," Gaetz continued.
"I'd be concerned about giving Joe Biden a code to my garage door opener."
"But this is about more than just one man. It is about the presidency."
WATCH:
"Sleepy Joe" wasn't just a political nickname...
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 25, 2021
It appears to be the Biden admin's governing strategy. pic.twitter.com/9DbUNSzk9K
"It is about doctrine of peace through strength that we talk a lot about on this program," Gaetz said.
"And I oppose this letter because I do believe that no matter who the president is, they have to be vested in the authority to be commander-in-chief, to take care of the country, even if it is Joe Biden during nap time."
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Gaetz said if Biden is "not in a position to really make decisions day in and day out...I think we all ought to listen."
He also noted cognitive decline "can happen exponentially, and it is something that the country needs to be out on the lookout for."
WATCH:
What do Democrats know about Biden's mental acuity that the rest of America doesn't? pic.twitter.com/5grOY2XiKh
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 26, 2021
Fox News' Sean Hannity noted:
"You know, as much as they hated Donald Trump, they didn't propose this" when he was president.
Fox News quoted from the Democrats' letter, initiated by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), as follows:
Vesting one person with this authority entails real risks. Past presidents have threatened to attack other countries with nuclear weapons or exhibited behavior that caused other officials to express concern about the president’s judgment.
While any president would presumably consult with advisors before ordering a nuclear attack, there is no requirement to do so,” the letter adds.
“The military is obligated to carry out the order if they assess it is legal under the laws of war. Under the current posture of U.S. nuclear forces, that attack would happen in minutes.
