HR 8581 United States House · 119th Congress

SET Act

The Special Election Timeliness Act requires states to hold special elections to fill vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives within 180 days, unless a regular general election is scheduled during that period. This law directly affects state officials who manage elections and federal representatives who may lose their seats due to death, resignation, or failure to be elected. The bill establishes legal enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or aggrieved federal leaders to sue state executives in federal court if these deadlines are missed. By setting a specific timeline, the legislation aims to ensure timely representation in Congress without altering the existing process for nominating candidates.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Apr 29, 2026 Last action Apr 29, 2026
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2
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Committee
1
Apr 29, 2026
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
lower
Apr 29, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

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