On the recordMarch 3, 2005
But during that 45 days, what happens? The Chair of the Constitution Subcommittee says this is what happens: martial law. We do not know who would fill the vacancy of the Presidency, but we do know that the Succession Act most likely suggests it would be an unelected person. The sponsors of the bill before us today insist, and I think rightfully so, on the importance of elections. But to then say that during a 45-day period we would have none of the checks and balances so fundamental to our Constitution, none of the separation of powers, and that the Presidency would be filled by an unelected member of the Cabinet who not a single member of this country, not a single citizen, voted to fill that position, and that that person would have no checks and balances from Congress for a period of 45 days I find extraordinary. I find it inconsistent. I find it illogical, and, frankly, I find it dangerous.
Source
govinfo.gov
