Although Harris made history as the first woman with presidential powers, this isn’t the first time a president has temporarily transferred power. George H.W. BushActing president for nearly eight hours. Vice president under President Ronald ReaganHis 1985 surgery was performed on him. Bush’s son and former President George W. BushTransferred power to his vice president Dick CheneyTwo times, during similar procedures in 2002 & 2007, respectively.