Find Your State's Designated Survivor: A Guide to Who's Leading the Way

In the United States, the presidency is not the only leadership position that requires a person to be sworn in as a high-ranking official. The designated survivor, a term coined in 1979 after a congressional luncheon shooting, is an emergency backup who takes over as president in the event of a catastrophic incident that kills the entire presidential line of succession. But who is this person, and how do they become the designated survivor of your state?

The concept of a designated survivor may seem obscure, but it's an essential part of the US government's emergency preparedness plan. In this article, we'll delve into the world of state designees, exploring who they are, how they're selected, and the role they play in ensuring the continuity of government in times of crisis.

Who Is the Designated Survivor?

The designated survivor is a member of Congress who is not present at a high-profile event, usually a state dinner or a joint session of Congress. This person is chosen to replace the president in the event of an emergency, providing a continuity of government in the face of disaster.

The designated survivor is not a specific job title, but rather a designator chosen by the Department of Defense. Typically, this person is a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate, and is selected from a pool of potential candidates who are not attending the high-profile event.

Who Can Be the Designated Survivor?

The designated survivor can be anyone who is a member of Congress, including:

• Representatives in the House of Representatives
• Senators in the Senate
• Members of the House of Representatives who serve as officers or advisors to the Speaker of the House

However, the designee must not be attending the high-profile event, and must be willing to serve as the acting president in the event of an emergency.

How Is the Designated Survivor Selected?

The process of selecting the designated survivor is largely automatic, but there are some considerations that the Department of Defense takes into account.

• Security Concerns: The Department of Defense reviews the security threat level and determines whether a high-profile event is at risk of being disrupted by a terrorist attack or other threat.
• Attendees: The department identifies members of Congress who are attending the high-profile event and selects an alternate from a pool of potential candidates.
• Availability: The designee must be available to serve as acting president in the event of an emergency, which means they must be willing to leave their regular duties and duties to attend to the situation.

Who Keeps Track of the Designated Survivor?

The Department of Defense is responsible for keeping track of the designated survivor, as well as the other members of the presidential line of succession. The department works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies to identify potential security threats and ensure that the designated survivor is not at risk.

What Is the Role of the Designated Survivor?

The designated survivor plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity of government in times of crisis. In the event of an emergency, the designee will take over as acting president, providing a link between the emergency responders and the government.

• Emergency Response: The designated survivor works closely with emergency responders, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security, to coordinate the response to the emergency.
• Communication: The designee serves as a liaison between the emergency responders and the government, ensuring that the response is coordinated and effective.
• Decision-Making: In the event of an emergency, the designated survivor has the authority to make key decisions, including those related to the response and relief efforts.

How Do Designated Survivors Prepare for Emergencies?

Designated survivors undergo extensive training to prepare for emergencies. This training includes:

• Security Briefings: The designee receives regular security briefings on potential threats and risks.
• Emergency Response Procedures: The department provides the designee with emergency response procedures, including protocols for responding to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other crises.
• Communication Protocols: The designee learns communication protocols for coordinating with emergency responders and the government.

Who Are the Most Likely Designated Survivors?

While any member of Congress can be the designated survivor, some members are more likely to be selected due to their:

• Seniority: Members of Congress with more seniority are more likely to be selected, as they have a greater understanding of the security procedures and protocols.
• Security Clearance: Members of Congress with security clearances are more likely to be selected, as they have demonstrated their ability to handle sensitive information.
• Involvement in National Security Matters: Members of Congress who are involved in national security matters are more likely to be selected, as they have a greater understanding of the security threats and risks.

How Do Designated Survivors Stay Informed?

Designated survivors stay informed about potential security threats and risks through:

• Security Briefings: The designee receives regular security briefings on potential threats and risks.
• Intelligence Reports: The department provides the designee with intelligence reports on potential threats and risks.
• Communication Protocols: The designee learns communication protocols for coordinating with emergency responders and the government.

In Conclusion

The designated survivor is an essential part of the US government's emergency preparedness plan. By selecting a member of Congress who is not present at a high-profile event, the Department of Defense ensures that the continuity of government is maintained in the event of a catastrophic incident. Whether you're a government official, a concerned citizen, or simply someone who wants to stay informed, understanding the role of the designated survivor is crucial for staying safe and secure in times of crisis.