Number: RS22067
Title: House Vacancies: Proposals for Filling Them After the Death or Injury of Large Numbers of Members, 2005-2006
Authors: Sula P. Richardson and Paul Rundquist, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the anthrax incidents that happened shortly thereafter, debate on how best to preserve an effective and representative House of Representatives in time of crisis has continued. At issue are (1) how to quickly replace large numbers of Members who are killed or incapacitated in a catastrophic event without sacrificing a House kept close to the people; and (2) what vehicle to use, i.e., whether to amend the constitution, enact new federal law, or modify House rules. During the 109th Congress, the House has passed a measure requiring states to hold expedited special elections in extraordinary circumstances twice - first (on March 3, 2005) as the Continuity in Representation Act of 2005 (H.R. 841), and later (on June 22, 2005) as a provision (Title III) in the FY2006 legislative branch appropriations bill (H.R. 2985). The Senate took no action on H.R. 841 and passed (June 30, 2005) its version of H.R. 2985, which did not include the provision for expedited special House elections in times of crisis. 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. The President signed H.R. 2985 on August 2, 2005 (P.L. 109-55). Three proposed constitutional amendments relating to congressional succession or continuity of Congress (H.J.Res. 26, H.J.Res. 49, and S.J. Res. 6) have also been introduced and referred to committee.
Pages: 5
Date: August 9, 2005