1. Eligibility Window. A Senator may be elected chair of a standing or select committee only if the next regularly scheduled general election for that Senator’s seat will occur no later than the second November following the date the Senator assumes the chair (i.e., within 24 months).
2. Normal Rotation. On January 3 of each new Congress, all chairmanships are vacated. New chairs shall be elected from the Senate class scheduled for the next even-year November election.
3. Mid-Term Vacancies. If a chairmanship opens after January 3, the successor must be selected from among committee members whose seats are scheduled for the earliest upcoming even-year November election, such that the successor’s chair term falls within the 24-month eligibility window.
4. Term Expiration. A chair’s term automatically ends on January 3 following the Senator’s next general election (regular or special). The 24-month cap is a maximum; earlier termination occurs if the Senator’s election comes sooner.
5. Special Elections. If a Senator’s seat is subject to a special election before the second November following assumption of the chair, the chairmanship terminates on the date of that special election, with a successor chosen under Section 3.
6. No Holdover or Reassignment to Evade Rule. A Senator ineligible under Section 1 may not continue as chair or be reassigned to the same chair to avoid the 24-month limit.
7. Committee Composition to Ensure Compliance. If a committee lacks a majority-party member who meets Section 1 at the time of selection, the majority conference shall promptly adjust committee memberships to create an eligible pool; until then, the Majority Leader may designate an acting chair for up to 120 days.
8. Definitions.
“Regularly scheduled general election” means the even-year November election for a Senate class.
“Assumes the chair” means the calendar date the Senator is elected by the majority conference and recognized by the Senate.
9. Effective Date. Applies beginning January 3 of the first Congress following adoption.