If the chief judge is absent from the District or is unable to perform his or her duties, such duties shall be performed by the judge in active service, present in the Eastern Division of the District and willing to act, who is next in seniority of the date of his or her commission, other than a recalled judge. Such judge is designated as the acting chief judge on such occasions.

Committee Note: The rule would provide for acting chief judge in specified circumstances, in accord with present practice. Appointment and duties of the chief judge are prescribed by statute, 28 U.S.C. §154(b).