Three years after 9/11, Congress still not ready for disaster

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More than three years after Nine-Eleven, Congress hasn't decided how it would handle a disaster that kills many of its members.

A nonpartisan commission recommends amending the Constitution to allow for temporary appointments.

Right now, House vacancies can only be filled by direct election. Critics say that could paralyze Congress for weeks or months during a national crisis.

The House has passed legislation requiring special elections within 45 days of confirming that 100 or more members have been killed. A Senate panel has approved letting states choose how to fill vacancies.

Members are also debating presidential succession. A California congressman says the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate shouldn't be third on fourth on the list. Brad Sherman says "the will of the people could be subverted" if those politicians belong to a different political party than the president.
http://www.rochestertoday.com/news/national/story.aspx?content_id=59860E05-F3FC-4418-887B-65B09D7E7D25

Um, someone kills the prez & vp, and we're worried about "the will of the people" if the speaker of the house is of a different political party?? Sheesh.