Title 2, The CongressRelease 119-102
§27 Change of Place of Meeting
Title 2 › CHAPTER 2 — ORGANIZATION OF CONGRESS › § 27
Summary
If the President thinks it would be dangerous for members of Congress to meet in the capital because of an outbreak or other serious problems, he can call Congress to meet somewhere else. He does this by making an official announcement and can pick whatever place he thinks is best.
Full Legal Text
Title 2, §27
The Congress, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whenever Congress is about to convene, and from the prevalence of contagious sickness, or the existence of other circumstances, it would, in the opinion of the President, be hazardous to the lives or health of the members to meet at the seat of Government, the President is authorized, by proclamation, to convene Congress at such other place as he may judge proper.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification R.S. § 34 derived from act Apr. 3, 1794, ch. 17, 1 Stat. 353.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
2 U.S.C. § 27
Title 2, The Congress
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102