Us Congress House Bill HCR5

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HCR5 would modify existing House rules to allow for more flexibility regarding participation in legislative processes during emergency conditions. Currently, members must be present to vote or attend committee meetings in person. This resolution seeks to acknowledge the importance of continued legislative activity during personal hardships or compelling situations that might otherwise hinder a member's attendance.

Summary

HCR5, also known as the Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution, aims to establish specific grounds under which Members of Congress may vote by proxy and remotely attend committee proceedings. The bill recognizes circumstances such as illness, death in the family, jury service, military duty, and other emergencies as valid reasons for absenting from in-person votes or committee sessions. If any of these situations apply to a member, they can designate another member to vote on their behalf via a formal submission to the Clerk.

Contention

The resolution is expected to generate differing opinions among lawmakers. Supporters argue that it will provide necessary accommodations for members facing genuine obstacles to participation, thus maintaining the functionality of Congress. Critics, however, may express concerns about potential abuse of proxy voting and remote committee attendance, potentially leading to reduced accountability and decreased engagement in the legislative process. Safeguards will need to be considered to ensure that the provisions of HCR5 do not facilitate undue leniency.

Congress_id

119-HCONRES-5

Policy_area

Congress

Introduced_date

2025-01-28