PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on the Judiciary referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Dec 20, 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that if at any time 50 percent or more of the Members of the House of Representatives are unable to carry out their duties because of death or incapacity, each Governor of a State represented by such a Member shall appoint a qualified individual to take the Member's place as soon as practicable, but no later than seven days, after certification of the Member's death or incapacity.Requires an individual appointed to take the place of the Member to: (1) be a Member of the same political party as the Member who is being replaced; and (2) serve until a Member is elected to fill the vacancy by a special election to be held at any time during the 90-day period which begins on the date of the individual's appointment, in accordance with the applicable election laws of the State involved. Declares, however, that if a regularly scheduled general election for the office will be held during such period or 30 days thereafter, no special election shall be held and the Member elected in such regularly scheduled general election shall fill the vacancy upon election. Allows such appointed individual to be a candidate in such a special election or in such a regularly scheduled general election.
People & committees
Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on the Judiciary referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 1/23/2002 S22)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13980-13981)
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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Analyze S.J.Res.30 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.J.Res.30 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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