Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act

12/20/2024, 2:23 AM

Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act

This bill requires certain notifications whenever a head of an executive branch agency who is a member of the National Security Council (for example, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Defense) becomes medically incapacitated.

In the event that such an agency head becomes medically incapacitated, the person serving in an acting capacity as the agency head (or, if no person is acting, the first assistant to the office of the agency head) must notify within 24 hours the Executive Office of the President, the Comptroller General, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

In the event that such notifications are not made, the bill requires a report containing certain information related to the medical incapacitation, the individual who served in an acting capacity, and an explanation of why the required notifications were not made.

Bill 118 hr 6972, also known as the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to ensure the smooth transition of power within the military chain of command in the event of a sudden vacancy in a high-ranking position.

The bill outlines specific procedures and protocols that must be followed in the event of a vacancy in a key military leadership position, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or a Combatant Commander. These procedures are designed to ensure that there is no gap in leadership and that the chain of command remains secure and effective.

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a comprehensive plan for succession in the event of a sudden vacancy in a high-ranking military position. This plan must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains current and effective. Overall, the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act aims to strengthen the stability and effectiveness of the military chain of command by establishing clear procedures for succession in the event of a sudden vacancy in a key leadership position.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 6972
Introduced on
2024-01-11
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/7/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act

This bill requires certain notifications whenever a head of an executive branch agency who is a member of the National Security Council (for example, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Defense) becomes medically incapacitated.

In the event that such an agency head becomes medically incapacitated, the person serving in an acting capacity as the agency head (or, if no person is acting, the first assistant to the office of the agency head) must notify within 24 hours the Executive Office of the President, the Comptroller General, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

In the event that such notifications are not made, the bill requires a report containing certain information related to the medical incapacitation, the individual who served in an acting capacity, and an explanation of why the required notifications were not made.

Bill 118 hr 6972, also known as the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to ensure the smooth transition of power within the military chain of command in the event of a sudden vacancy in a high-ranking position.

The bill outlines specific procedures and protocols that must be followed in the event of a vacancy in a key military leadership position, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or a Combatant Commander. These procedures are designed to ensure that there is no gap in leadership and that the chain of command remains secure and effective.

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a comprehensive plan for succession in the event of a sudden vacancy in a high-ranking military position. This plan must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains current and effective. Overall, the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act aims to strengthen the stability and effectiveness of the military chain of command by establishing clear procedures for succession in the event of a sudden vacancy in a key leadership position.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 5, United States Code, to require an Executive agency whose head is a member of the National Security Council to notify the Executive Office of the President, the Comptroller General of the United States, and congressional leadership of such head becoming medically incapacitated within 24 hours, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics
Potential Impact
Federal officials•
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption•
Government information and archives•
Government liability•
Health information and medical records

Comments

Related

Member:  Erin Houchin
Member:  James C. Moylan
Member:  Derrick Van Orden

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/1/2024

Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act

This bill requires certain notifications whenever a head of an executive branch agency who is a member of the National Security Council (for example, the Secretary of State or the Sec...

Latest Action12/17/2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 711.