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H.J.Res. 199

Joint ResolutionFederalHouseIn Committee
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.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
119th (2025–2027)
Introduced
July 2, 2026
Cosponsors (1)
1D 0R
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Summary

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This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the House of Representatives to quickly fill vacancies caused by a member's death without waiting for a special election. Under the amendment, each newly elected House member would be required to submit a list of at least five qualified designees who could replace them if they die in office. If a representative dies, the state's governor would have ten days to select a replacement from that list, and the Speaker of the House would immediately appoint that person to fill the seat. The designated replacement would serve as a full voting member of Congress until a special election is held to permanently fill the position. The amendment would need to be approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, then ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution.

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