HR 6972 United States House · 118th Congress

Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act

This bill requires heads of Executive agencies who serve on the National Security Council (like the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security) to notify key government officials within 24 hours if they become unable to perform their duties due to illness. If they fail to meet this deadline, they must submit a detailed report within 30 days explaining the delay, listing acting officials and resources used, and documenting the incapacity period. It directly affects top national security agency leaders and ensures transparency during leadership gaps. The law aims to prevent confusion about who is temporarily in charge during medical emergencies involving critical national security roles.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Dec 2024
House Passage
May 2024
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Jan 11, 2024 Last action Dec 17, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Amendments
3
Dec 17, 2024
Upper · Passed
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-305.
upper
Nov 20, 2024
Upper · Passed
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
upper
May 7, 2024
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
upper
May 6, 2024
Introduced
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2841)
lower
May 6, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2841)
lower
May 6, 2024
Introduced
Mr. LaTurner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
lower
Feb 6, 2024
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0.
lower
Feb 6, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
Jan 11, 2024
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
lower
Jan 11, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors

Sponsors