Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR543

Introduced
6/22/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

If passed, HR543 would significantly alter the operational procedures within the House of Representatives by formalizing the ability for members to vote remotely or delegate their votes through a proxy. This change is expected to ensure that members facing health challenges can still be involved in legislative activities without the need to compromise their well-being or the health of those they care for. By recognizing the necessity of remote participation, the resolution supports a more adaptable political environment and may pave the way for broader reforms in legislative procedures.

Summary

House Resolution 543 seeks to amend the rules of the House of Representatives to allow members to vote by proxy and to attend committee proceedings remotely under certain circumstances. This resolution is particularly aimed at accommodating members who might have serious medical conditions, including pregnancy-related issues, or those who serve as primary caretakers for dependent individuals with serious health conditions. The provisions intended to enhance inclusivity and ensure participation of all members in the legislative process, even when they cannot physically be present in the House or committee settings.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HR543 may highlight concerns about the potential for abuse of proxy voting and the implications it might have for the overall accountability of elected officials. Some critics might argue that allowing proxy voting could lead to situations where members are not fully engaged in the legislative process, thereby undermining democratic principles. There might also be debates on the specifics of how proxy votes are to be administered, including how to ensure that the process remains transparent and secure.

Companion Bills

US HR967

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

Previously Filed As

US HR967

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

US HR1115

Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 967) amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit Members to vote by proxy in certain cases, and for other purposes.

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 HR231

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a medical emergency preparedness training, and for other purposes.

US HCR5

Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation ResolutionThis concurrent resolution authorizes proxy voting and remote appearances by Members of Congress who are absent due to an illness, military service, jury duty, or other circumstances. The concurrent resolution establishes grounds and procedures by which an absent Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate may (1) designate another Member to cast a vote or record the presence of the absent Member; and (2) remotely appear at a committee proceeding.The concurrent resolution authorizes proxy voting and remote appearances for absences due tojury duty;the death of a family member;a family member who has a serious health condition;the Member's own illness or serious health condition; the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a son or daughter;the Member serving in the armed services;a family member being called to active duty; ora condition preventing the Member from safely traveling to or performing work at the proceeding.Certain purposes are time-limited; for example, an absence due to a Member's own illness is limited to seven days in a calendar year.Further, a Member must provide to the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, respectively (1) a written proxy designation or notice of remote appearance, (2) the grounds for the absence, and (3) such documentation as they may require. The Clerk and Secretary must maintain and make publicly available a list of the grounds, time frames, and other details about Members using these provisions.

US HR17

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Speaker to allow the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN) to broadcast and record the floor proceedings of the House, and for other purposes.

US HR38

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.

US HR537

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify that the payment of a bail bond constitutes a gift for purposes of the Rules.

US HB4589

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide for the registration of proxy advisory firms, and for other purposes.

US SR14

A resolution amending rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to include amendments of the House of Representatives in the requirements for identifying spending items, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.