‘She Is Not A Physician!’: Lawmakers Get Into Tense Exchange After Yellen Is Asked About Biden’s Cognitive Issues

Lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee got into a tense exchange Tuesday after Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen was questioned about President Joe Biden’s cognitive issues.

Biden froze at least twice, lost his train of thought and made multiple verbal gaffes during the June 27 CNN debate with former President Donald Trump. Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York asked Yellen about her meetings with Biden, prompting treasury secretary to dodge the question, claiming the meetings were “private.”

“As a cabinet secretary, have you noticed any mental or cognitive decline in any of these meetings?,” Lawler asked.

“The president is extremely effective in the meetings that I’ve been in with him. That includes many international meetings that are multi-hour, like his meetings with President Xi. I’ve met with him with other leaders who —,” Yellen said before Lawler interrupted, asking, “Are you testifying that you have not seen any mental or cognitive decline?”

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Lawler’s follow-up question prompted an Democratic Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty to question whether the New York Republican’s question was appropriate, arguing that Yellen was “not a physician.”

“It’s not a medical question. It’s her interpretation as a member of the cabinet,” Lawler responded.

“I move to have those words taken down. She is not a physician!” Beatty exclaimed.