House Passes Congressman Davis’ Bipartisan Legislation to Secure U.S. Defense Chain of Command

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6972, known as the Securing the Chain of Command Continuity Act. The bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) aims to uphold America’s national defense superiority by preventing chain-of-command violations among members of the National Security Council (NSC). The bill passed by voice vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate, where it awaits further consideration.

“Responding to a world crisis in the shortest amount of time is essential for safeguarding the American people. A 24-hour notice is not only reasonable, but it also allows more accountability and transparency,” said Congressman Davis. “In catastrophic times, prompt response is crucial. The ability to react swiftly and effectively can make all the difference in saving lives.”

“As the world grows more dangerous and threats to our servicemembers stationed abroad increase, we must have a strong chain of command among our military’s leadership that cannot be compromised,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud the House came together across party lines today and passed my bill to prevent critical communications breakdowns that put our men and women in uniform at risk. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly so the Securing the Chain of Command Continuity Act can become law and help us protect America’s national security.

Specifically, this legislation would amend the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to require all NSC members to notify the Executive Office of the President, the Comptroller General of the United States, and each chamber of Congress within 24 hours of any planned or emergent medical incapacitation. If this notification does not occur, the respective agency would be required to submit a comprehensive report providing transparency surrounding the incapacitation and related notification failure to the above entities within three days. Before its passage on the House Floor, the bill moved out of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability by a unanimous, bipartisan vote on February 6, 2024. 

You can read the full text of the bill here. 

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