Yesterday I believed the role of the Speaker Pro Tempore was a narrow one, but you have convinced me that it is a broader role. Clearly, if the context is the continuity of government following a catastrophic event, the purpose would be to allow Congress to conduct business. From a point of view of national morale in the face of a national emergency, the idea that an assassin or a terrorist could not stop the functioning of the Congress in an emergency is an important one.
The flip side is that the Speaker is third in line for the Presidency. If there is a crisis, I think having that important position held by someone who was unilaterally put on a list by the previous Speaker is a situation that should be not permitted for more than the shortest possible time.
This is super helpful. Is McHenry as pro temp required to call a vote for speaker in any timely fashion? Thanks, Matt!
Yesterday I believed the role of the Speaker Pro Tempore was a narrow one, but you have convinced me that it is a broader role. Clearly, if the context is the continuity of government following a catastrophic event, the purpose would be to allow Congress to conduct business. From a point of view of national morale in the face of a national emergency, the idea that an assassin or a terrorist could not stop the functioning of the Congress in an emergency is an important one.
The flip side is that the Speaker is third in line for the Presidency. If there is a crisis, I think having that important position held by someone who was unilaterally put on a list by the previous Speaker is a situation that should be not permitted for more than the shortest possible time.