Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil and Representative Derek Kilmer have requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the ability of states to comply with the law regarding filling U.S. House of Representative member vacancies during emergencies. The study aims to ensure that states are equipped to conduct timely elections in case of mass casualties or other emergencies.
Chairman Steil emphasized the importance of ensuring that states are prepared to fulfill their election obligations, stating, "Ensuring states are equipped to conduct our elections in a timely manner is of utmost importance." He further expressed his commitment to working with Representative Kilmer to ensure the continuity of Congress, stating, "During the ACE Act mark-up, I pledged to work with Rep. Kilmer on this important initiative to ensure continuity of Congress."
Representative Kilmer highlighted the need for Congress to be able to function in emergency situations and the potential impact of mass casualties or political violence on the ability of Congress to carry out its duties. He stated, "When the Modernization Committee looked at issues related to congressional continuity, we found that, while perhaps unlikely, the potential of a mass casualty or political violence flipping a majority could substantially impact the ability of Congress to do its job." He further explained that states are currently required to hold a special election within 49 days, but there are concerns about their ability to comply with these requirements. In a letter to the Comptroller General, Representative Kilmer and his colleagues highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive study on states' ability to comply with the mandated 49-day timeframe.
The request for the GAO study stems from a bipartisan amendment approved during the markup of H.R. 4563, the American Confidence in Elections Act. The Committee on House Administration unanimously approved this amendment, directing the GAO to study the issue of filling House vacancies during emergencies.
During the 117th Congress, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress held a hearing on "Congressional Continuity: Ensuring the First Branch is Prepared in Times of Crisis." In preparation for this hearing, several Secretaries of State responsible for the administration of special elections in their states raised concerns about their ability to comply with the required timelines.
Chairman Steil and Representative Kilmer are committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that Congress is prepared for the continuity of government and operations during emergencies. They invite collaboration with the Government Accountability Office to help Congress prepare for such scenarios.
The full letter requesting the GAO study can be accessed here.
This study will play a crucial role in assessing the readiness of states to fulfill their obligations in conducting special elections during emergencies. By identifying any challenges or gaps in compliance with federal law, Congress can work towards ensuring the continuity of government and operations in times of crisis.
To find out more, go to this link: https://cha.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4CC9BB08-0AA4-4259-8810-FA354D364C0D
