Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR38

Introduced
1/17/23  

Caption

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit remote voting in meetings of committees and subcommittees and to require the chair of a committee or subcommittee to recognize members at a meeting of the committee or subcommittee in the order in which they seek recognition.

Impact

The implications of HR38 extend to the way committees operate within the House of Representatives. By disallowing remote voting, the resolution could significantly alter the level of participation among members who may be unable to attend in person due to various circumstances. This might lead to concerns about representation, especially for members from remote areas or those with health restrictions, thereby possibly reducing their influence in discussions and decisions made within committees.

Summary

HR38 is a resolution amending the rules of the House of Representatives specifically to prohibit remote voting in meetings of committees and subcommittees. This measure requires that votes can only be taken when committee members are physically present, thereby eliminating the option for members to submit their votes remotely. Additionally, the resolution mandates that the chair of a committee must recognize members to speak in the order in which they request recognition during meetings. The primary aim of HR38 is to ensure a more structured and traditional approach to committee proceedings.

Contention

As with many changes to procedural rules, HR38 has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that in-person voting enhances accountability and ensures that committee discussions happen in real-time, allowing for better deliberation and transparency. Conversely, opponents highlight that restricting remote voting could disenfranchise those unable to attend meetings physically, raising concerns about accessibility and inclusivity in the legislative process. This tension reflects broader discussions about modernizing legislative practices in a post-pandemic world.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR58

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee or subcommittee to recognize members at a meeting of the committee or subcommittee in the order in which they seek recognition.

US HR168

Amending House Rules 43 and 45, further providing for standing committees and subcommittees and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees.

US HR12

Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary.

US HR543

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit Members to vote by proxy and remotely attend committee proceedings in certain cases, and for other purposes.

US HB648

Provides relative to committees and subcommittees of certain public bodies

US HR1

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for definitions, for order of business, for fiscal notes, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for public hearings, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table and for previous question.

US HR22

Provides relative to subcommittees of the Committee on Appropriations

US HR21

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for questions of order, for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for members' and employees' expenses, for order of business, for general appropriation bill and non-preferred bills, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for hospital and home appropriations or acquiring lands of the Commonwealth, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for Committee on Rules, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table, for previous question, for members required to be present and vote and for financial interests in gaming entities, providing for vote by designation and further providing for Committee on Ethics.

US HR23

Proxy Voting for New Parents ResolutionThis resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House of Representatives for a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth and pregnant Members who are unable to travel safely or have a serious medical condition.Under the resolution, a qualifying Member may designate a proxy to cast a vote in a committee, the Committee of the Whole, or on the House floor; however, proxies will not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. The proxy designation is valid for up to 12 weeks.To designate a proxy for House and Committee of the Whole votes, the Member must submit a signed and dated letter to the Clerk stating the Member’s qualifying circumstances and the name and state of the Member who has agreed to be designated as proxy. A Member who has designated a proxy according to these requirements may also designate a proxy for committee votes. To designate a proxy for committee votes, the Member must provide the committee chair and ranking minority member with a signed and dated letter specifying another member of the committee to cast a proxy vote. The resolution further provides that a Member may revoke the proxy authorization by (1) casting the Member’s own vote; (2) recording the Member’s own presence in the House or in the Committee of the Whole; or (3) in a committee, by submitting a signed letter to the chair and ranking minority member.

US HR78

Providing for a certain total number of members on certain select committees and subcommittees, and for other purposes.

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