[20050809]RS22067_房屋空置：2005-2006年在大批成员死亡或受伤后填补这些空缺的提案.pdf

1 This report was written by Paul S. Rundquist, and Sula Pat Richardson, who have retired from(continued.)Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22067Updated August 9, 2005House Vacancies: Proposals for Filling Them After the Death or Injury of LargeNumbers of Members, 2005-2006R. Eric PetersenAnalyst in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummarySince the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the anthrax incidents thathappened shortly thereafter, debate on how best to preserve an effective andrepresentative 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 acatastrophic event without sacrificing a House kept close to the people; and (2) whatvehicle to use, i.e., whether to amend the constitution, enact new federal law, or modifyHouse rules. During the 109th Congress, the House has passed a measure requiringstates 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), andla