Thread by @alexandraphelan

In past pandemic planning scenarios, we war game what would happen if the president and VP are both unable to fulfill their constitutional duties due to an infectious disease.

The Presidency, the Agencies, and Congress all have clear processes (set out below) but...
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https://twitter.com/JonLemire/status/1314301895075340299

⏹️Presidency⏹️

Presidential Succession Act (1947) sets out order:
1⃣Vice President (M. Pence)
2⃣Speaker of the House (N. Pelosi)
3⃣Speaker pro tempore (C. Grassley)

Then Cabinet members on dept creation order starting with4⃣State (M. Pompeo)5⃣Treasury (S. Mnuchin)

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⏹️Congress⏹️
Senate: filled by appointment
House: filled by election (rules set by states)

Quorum is necessary for many activities: in light of 9/11, in 2003, 1st Continuity of Congress Report called for a Constitutional amendment to allow for temporary elections:
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The 2nd Continuity of Congress report noted that there is a risk of confusion in the line of succession if there is not clarity over who is able to take up the position. I disagree with its proposed revised order (removing Congress).

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Report:
brookings.edu/wp-content/upl…

While these reports were drafted in consideration of a physical attack, the impacts of a lack of transparency over current health states may contribute to lack of clarity & confusion. The timing with an election adds extra national security vulnerability in the space between.
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