PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8770)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 5, 2003
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress may by law provide for the case of death or inability of Members of the House of Representatives, and the case of inability of Members of the Senate, in the event that one-fourth of either House is killed or incapacitated, declaring who shall serve until the disability is removed or a new Member is elected. Terminates such procedures within 120 days after the death or inability of one-fourth of the House or Senate. Allows extensions of additional 120-day periods if one-fourth of either the House or Senate remains vacant or occupied by members unable to serve.
People & committees
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8770)
Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights. Approved for full committee consideration with an amendment favorably.
Committee on the Judiciary referred to Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14051)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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