[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 559 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                       October 2, 2002.
Whereas the death or disability of hundreds of Members of Congress would deprive 
        millions of Americans of representation in Congress, possibly for a 
        period of months until special elections to fill the vacancies could be 
        conducted;
Whereas such a catastrophe would severely impair the functioning of the House 
        and effectively disrupt the legislative branch for an extended period;
Whereas the only method prescribed by the Constitution to fill a vacant seat in 
        the House of Representatives is through election by the people;
Whereas article I, section 4 of the Constitution of the United States provides 
        that ``The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators 
        and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the 
        Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or 
        alter such Regulations, except as to the places of chusing Senators.'';
Whereas section 26 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (2 U.S.C. 8) 
        provides that ``The time for holding elections in any State, District or 
        Territory for a Representative or Delegate to fill a vacancy, whether 
        such vacancy is caused by a failure to elect at the time prescribed by 
        law, or by the death, resignation, or incapacity of a person elected, 
        may be prescribed by the laws of the several States and Territories 
        respectively;''; and
Whereas it is in the interest of each State to ensure that the people maintain 
        their full rights to representation in the House: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That--
            (1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that each State 
        should examine its existing statutes, practices, and procedures 
        governing special elections so that, in the event of a catastrophe, 
        vacancies in the House of Representatives may be filled in a timely 
        fashion; and
            (2) the Clerk of the House shall send a copy of this resolution to 
        the chief executive official of each State.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.