Presidential Succession

More than 30 bills proposing changes in the Presidential succession law are now mouldering in assorted Congressional subcommittees; there is apparently no chance that any will emerge in the near future. Although there is almost unanimous agreement that the present law should be amended, no one expects a change while Speaker McCormack upholds his right to the first place in the line of succession.

John McCormack will not be Speaker forever; perhaps if he is followed by someone with more flexible views on Presidential succession, the Congress will act on the matter. The issue should not be forgotten once the vice-Presidency is again filled. Several of the bills that are currently gathering dust could solve the problem.

A number of the bills call for Congress to elect a new vice-President when that office becomes vacant. A second group would have the President name a new vice-President. A proposed Constitutional amendment sponsored by Sen. Birch Bayh (D-Ind.) combines the best parts of these two proposals; Bayh's bill would have the President nominate a man, who would then have to be confirmed by Congress. This suggestion would avoid having Congress dictate its choice to the President; the need for Congressional confirmation provides a valuable cheek, on the President's decision.

The Presidential succession law ought to be changed now, but if it proves impossible to enact an amendment at this session, Sen. Bayh and his allies should keep trying. The country has learned how important the Presidential succession law is; it should not forget the lesson.