H. J. RES. 199

July 2, 2026

Mr. Timmons (for himself and Mr. Cleaver) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

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.

That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

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article

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“section 1. Immediately after taking the oath of office, an individual who is elected to serve as a Representative in the House of Representatives shall provide the House of Representatives with a list of at least five designees to take the individual’s place in the event the individual dies prior to the expiration of the individual’s term of office. The individual shall ensure that the list only contains the names of designees who meet the qualifications for service as a Representative in the House of Representatives.

“. In the event of the death of a Representative, the chief executive of the State involved shall, not later than 10 days after the date of the death of the Representative, select an individual from the most recent list of designees provided by the Representative whose seat is now vacant, as provided by , and the Speaker of the House shall immediately fill the vacancy with the individual selected. An individual designated to take the place of a Representative shall serve until another Member is elected to fill the vacancy pursuant to a special election.

H. J. RES. 199

July 2, 2026

Mr. Timmons (for himself and Mr. Cleaver) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

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.

That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

“

article

—

“section 1. Immediately after taking the oath of office, an individual who is elected to serve as a Representative in the House of Representatives shall provide the House of Representatives with a list of at least five designees to take the individual’s place in the event the individual dies prior to the expiration of the individual’s term of office. The individual shall ensure that the list only contains the names of designees who meet the qualifications for service as a Representative in the House of Representatives.

“. In the event of the death of a Representative, the chief executive of the State involved shall, not later than 10 days after the date of the death of the Representative, select an individual from the most recent list of designees provided by the Representative whose seat is now vacant, as provided by , and the Speaker of the House shall immediately fill the vacancy with the individual selected. An individual designated to take the place of a Representative shall serve until another Member is elected to fill the vacancy pursuant to a special election.