The Joint Committee of the Bundesrat and Bundestag has 48 members. In line with Article 53a of the Basic Law, two thirds of its members are from the Bundestag and one third from the Bundesrat. The Joint Committee is intended to act as Germany’s emergency parliament if insurmountable obstacles prevent the Bundestag from assembling in good time when a state of defence is declared. The establishment of the Joint Committee and its proceedings are regulated by rules of procedure adopted by the Bundestag and requiring the consent of the Bundesrat.
