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Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.

USA119th CongressHJRES-199| House 
| Updated: 7/2/2026
William R. Timmons

William R. Timmons

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (1)
Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This joint resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring the continuity of Congress by establishing a mechanism to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives. Upon taking the oath of office, each Representative would be required to provide the House with a list of at least five qualified designees who could serve in their place if they die before their term expires. Should a Representative die, the chief executive of their State would select an individual from this pre-submitted list within 10 days, and the Speaker of the House would immediately fill the vacancy. This designated individual would serve as a Representative until a new Member is elected through a special election, and during their service, they would be treated as a full Representative for all legal and regulatory purposes. The amendment also includes provisions for handling the death of a temporarily designated individual, requiring the state's chief executive to select another replacement from the deceased designee's own pre-submitted list to maintain continuous representation.
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Bill from Previous Congress

HJRES 118-118
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.
Jul 2, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HJRES 118-118
    Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.


  • July 2, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 2, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.

USA119th CongressHJRES-199| House 
| Updated: 7/2/2026
This joint resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring the continuity of Congress by establishing a mechanism to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives. Upon taking the oath of office, each Representative would be required to provide the House with a list of at least five qualified designees who could serve in their place if they die before their term expires. Should a Representative die, the chief executive of their State would select an individual from this pre-submitted list within 10 days, and the Speaker of the House would immediately fill the vacancy. This designated individual would serve as a Representative until a new Member is elected through a special election, and during their service, they would be treated as a full Representative for all legal and regulatory purposes. The amendment also includes provisions for handling the death of a temporarily designated individual, requiring the state's chief executive to select another replacement from the deceased designee's own pre-submitted list to maintain continuous representation.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HJRES 118-118
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.
Jul 2, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HJRES 118-118
    Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill vacancies in the House of Representatives to further the continuity of Congress.


  • July 2, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 2, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
William R. Timmons

William R. Timmons

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (1)
Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted