The resolution urged Mr Pence and Cabinet use the constitutional mechanism to "declare what is obvious to a horrified Nation: That the President is unable to successfully discharge the duties and powers of his office".

It passed 223-205.

But in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mr Pence said it would not be in the best interest of the nation or consistent with the US Constitution to remove Mr Trump.

The 25th amendment, ratified in 1967 and adopted in the wake of President John F Kennedy's assassination in 1963, was created to deal with presidential succession and disability.

Specifically, section 4 addresses situations where a president is unable to do the job but does not step down voluntarily.

Mr Pence said it was "time to unite our country as we prepare to inaugurate president-elect Joe Biden".

He said the 25th amendment should not be used "as a means of punishment or usurpation", but be reserved for cases of medical or mental incapacitation.

The Vice-President encouraged Congress to avoid actions to "further divide and inflame the passions of the moment" and to focus on smoothing the transition to president-elect Joe Biden's administration.

Ms Pelosi previously said that if the Vice-President rejected calls to invoke the 25th amendment, the House would move to impeach Mr Trump.

At least four Republicans have said they would vote for an impeachment.

Source | ABC/Wires