Doesn't even need to be a member of the federal government, or any government position. It's still not a pathway to presidential ascendancy though, because as I've argued many times here, the Speaker is not an "Officer of the USA" and thus ineligible to succeed as president in cases of vacancies.
Technically the next eligible down the current list, would be Sec of State, since neither Speaker nor President Pro Tempore are eligible and would have to be skipped.
Back room deal not needed.
Constitution says Speaker of the House can be anybody the Representatives vote in.
Speaker doesn't need to be a member of the house.
Doesn't even need to be a member of the federal government, or any government position. It's still not a pathway to presidential ascendancy though, because as I've argued many times here, the Speaker is not an "Officer of the USA" and thus ineligible to succeed as president in cases of vacancies.
So if the vice president and president are removed,who takes office then?
Technically the next eligible down the current list, would be Sec of State, since neither Speaker nor President Pro Tempore are eligible and would have to be skipped.