Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure and commend my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Washington, Mr. Baird, for his leadership on this critical issue.  This important legislation would amend the Constitution to allow temporary appointments to fill vacancies in the House in the event of a catastrophic attack.  If we do not pass this legislation, we risk disenfranchising large portions of the country in a time of national crisis, or worse, in the case of mass incapacitation of Members, preventing the House from even convening to conduct the people’s business.

Some Members will argue today that a Constitutional amendment is not necessary to address the problem of Congressional continuity.  While I understand some of their concerns, I question whether Congress has investigated the matter enough to come to that conclusion.  The AEI/Brookings Continuity of Government Commission, after studying the issue thoroughly, endorsed a Constitutional amendment even though some members began the process undecided or opposed to that course of action. 

Others will note that the House already addressed this matter by passing legislation in April to require expedited special elections within 45 days.  I would simply point out that, in the six weeks after the attacks of September 11, Congress passed legislation authorizing the use of military force, an airline assistance measure, an economic stimulus bill, the defense authorization act, numerous appropriations bills, the farm bill, and legislation pertaining to bioterrorism, victims assistance, and terrorism financing.  Without a Constitutional amendment to allow temporary appointments after a disaster, the most important decision that our body can make – the decision to declare war – could be made by a greatly diminished and unrepresentative House.
 
I am disappointed that we are being given only ninety minutes to debate one of the most important topics that Congress can address.  I know that other Members have proposed their own Constitutional amendments to address the issue of Congressional continuity, and we deserve hearings and discussion on those recommendations as well. 

It is our duty to prepare the legislative branch for any kind of disaster, and this Constitutional amendment is necessary to ensure that the House will be able to continue its work even in the worst circumstances.  I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.