WC Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) recently expressed his support for H.R. 6972 - the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act on the House Floor. This bipartisan bill, led by Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Van Orden, mandates that all members of the National Security Council report any medical incapacitation within 24 hours to maintain the U.S. military chain of command.

The legislation was introduced following an incident in January when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was suddenly hospitalized. Essential U.S. government members, including President Biden, were not informed about his absence for a significant period.

During his speech on the House Floor, Congressman Van Orden said: "Mr. Speaker, I spent over 25 years in the United States military. I have designed elements from as large as a SEAL team down to a small tactical unit, and the first thing you establish is something called CCIRs – Commander's Critical Information Requirements."

He further stated: "Unfortunately, the most powerful Department of Defense in the history of the world, led by Lloyd Austin, failed to do the most simple task that is required of any commander and that is to inform the Commander in Chief of your presence."

Van Orden criticized what he saw as incompetence within both the Department of Defense and the Biden administration. He expressed gratitude towards his colleagues for recognizing this issue and holding the administration accountable.

He concluded: "I want to thank my colleagues across the aisle for this bipartisan effort to hold the Biden administration accountable and to make sure any member of the National Security Council who is incapable of performing their duties is informing the president in a timely manner."

The Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act passed through the House via voice vote.