Number: RL32031
Title: House Vacancies: Proposed Constitutional Amendments for Filling Them Due to National Emergencies
Authors: Sula P. Richardson and Paul Rundquist, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and recent bioterrorism incidents have caused some lawmakers to support amending the U.S. Constitution to allow the temporary appointment of Representatives under certain conditions. While the Constitution requires that vacancies in both houses be filled by special elections, it empowers state legislatures to provide for temporary appointments to the U.S. Senate by state governors until elections are held. The laws of most states authorize governors to make temporary appointments to the U.S. Senate but not to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Pages: 11
Date: April 16, 2004