Congress can determine through its rules what constitutes a quorum. And one can make a case that if the majority of Congresscritters were wiped out in an attack or natural disaster, those left could still conduct business. Of course vacancies would have to be filled by constitutional procedures as soon as possible.
This is a clear violation of the Constitution. The President already has the authority in times of national emergency to administer government agencies to deal with any exegency which may arise. This removes from the people the right of self governance as a republic. I have heard not 1 sound that such rules changes were pending a vote. The very manner in which these changes were passed makes the shinanigans with Specter look tame. I wonder what some would say if this were to happen when Hillary becomes president, Lord forbid. This text out of context is pretext. Everyone ask why? WHY? WHY IS THIS NECESSARY? Is it as simple as planning for an emergency. Why don't they plan on fixing all of the things Congress has screwed up before they creat another cluster....?