Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution
Impact
If enacted, HCR110 will amend existing rules, allowing members to either designate another member as a proxy to cast their vote or to participate remotely in committee proceedings. This change is significant in enhancing accessibility and ensuring that the legislative process is maintained, even when members are unable to be present due to valid reasons. It recognizes that unforeseen events can hinder participation, thus aims to maintain legislative continuity.
Summary
HCR110, titled the Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution, aims to establish the grounds under which Members of Congress may vote by proxy and attend committee proceedings remotely. The resolution addresses situations where members cannot physically attend sessions due to illness, personal emergencies such as a death in the family, jury service, military service, or other emergencies. The bill serves to improve the functionality and participation of Congress members in scenarios where their physical presence is not possible, especially in challenging circumstances.
Contention
While the bill is aimed at facilitating participation, it might engender debate regarding the balance between traditional in-person voting and modern alternatives. Some may argue that it could lead to challenges in maintaining the integrity of votes if proxies are misused. The resolution also brings into question the extent to which remote participation might lead to a disconnect from the legislative environment, potentially impacting the quality of discussions and decision-making. As it stands, the use of proxies and remote participation must be carefully monitored to prevent any misuse or undermining of legislative processes.
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.
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.
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.
To amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize and modify the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs, and for other purposes.
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.