in World News Lawmakers Prepare for ‘Mass Casualty’ Event
Push Constitutional Amendment to Undermine Election Integrity and Control House Vacancies in a ‘National Crisis’
As political tensions rise in the U.S., Congress is preparing for the possibility of a major “mass casualty event” that could dramatically change its makeup.
With recent assassination attempts and increasingly heated public discourse, lawmakers are considering drastic steps, including a possible Constitutional Amendment that would allow for the direct appointment of House representatives in the event of mass vacancies.
According to the Constitution, any emerging vacancies in the House must be filled through elections, unlike Senate vacancies which can be filled by appointment.
However, following the events of 9/11, a law was enacted to enable rapid elections if over 100 House seats are vacant—supposedly to keep the government running as smoothly as possible by expediting the process.
But now, with the shadow of political violence looming large, lawmakers are opportunistically pushing for a system where governors can swiftly appoint new members to Congress, fundamentally circumventing the People’s right to directly elect these individuals by vote.
On Thursday, during a subcommittee hearing on “Preparing for the Future by Learning From the Past,” lawmakers gathered to discuss the amendment.
Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-D), a leading proponent of the bill, stated during the hearing, “Congress hasn’t fully considered the implications of a mass casualty event affecting members and the impact it would have on our ability to function in a time of need.”