How to avoid a presidential succession nightmare

The eviction of Kevin McCarthy as speaker, threw the House into turmoil for weeks, and the situation would have been even more chaotic without a little-known rule passed 20 years ago that put the representative in power. Patrick McHenry temporarily on the chair. This rule is inadequate, however, because it limits the president pro tempore to essentially ceremonial functions. This rule reflects a broader problem of poor succession planning in the U.S. government, which extends to the White House. The current system for ensuring the continuity of the American presidency has gaping flaws that could create political instability in the event of a national emergency. Resolving these issues does not require a constitutional amendment; Congress can do this with new legislation.

Under the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, if the President and Vice President of the United States both die, become incapacitated, or leave office, the Speaker of the House is next in line. succession, followed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, then the cabinet secretaries, starting with the secretary of state. But a closer look at this project reveals hidden dangers.