I never said it was a three step process. I was stating the line of secession. If something happens to the President, the VP moves into the Presidency. If something happens to both the VP and President the Speaker of the House is the next person in the line of succession, and she actually is only considered as acting president. Now how that works exactly I have never looked into to be quite honest. 8>)
Beyond Speaker of the House, I think the cabinet members are next in line, starting with the Secretary of State.