Number: RL32958
Title: Continuity of Congress: Enacted and Proposed Federal Statutes for Expedited Election to the House in Extraordinary Circumstances
Authors: R. Eric Petersen and Sula P. Richardson, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: On August 2, 2005, H.R. 2985, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006, which includes a measure (Title III) providing for expedited special House elections in extraordinary circumstances, was signed into law (P.L. 109-55). As adopted by both houses in late July 2005, the conference report to H.R. 2985 (H.Rept. 109-189) included the "continuity in representation" provision. On June 30, 2005, the Senate passed H.R. 2985, with amendments, by unanimous consent, and asked for a conference with the House. During a markup held June 23 by the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the subcommittee, by a voice vote, recommended that the Senate strike Title III of the measure, providing for expedited special elections to replace members of the House of Representatives when 100 or more of the seats in the House are vacant due to "extraordinary circumstances.'
Pages: 10
Date: August 9, 2005