Number: RL32969
Title: Presidential Succession: An Overview with Analysis of Legislation Proposed in the 109th Congress
Authors: Thomas H. Neale, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Legislation proposed in the 109th Congress fell into two basic categories: bills to expand the line of succession to incorporate the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) into the order of succession, and those that sought a more extensive overhaul of succession policies and procedures. The 109th Congress did not, however, pass a free standing presidential succession bill of either variety; instead, it incorporated the office of Secretary of Homeland Security into the line of succession in Title V of the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-177, 120 Stat. 192).
Pages: 24
Date: March 22, 2007