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119-hconres-5119th Congress

Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution

Sponsored By: Representative Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]

Introduced

Summary

Would allow proxy voting and remote committee attendance for Members and Senators in specified emergencies. It would set specific grounds, temporary day limits, signed (including electronic) designation letters, and public electronic records to make substitutions and remote participation transparent.

Show full summary
  • Members and Senators would be able to designate another Member or Senator as a proxy by a signed letter certifying an eligible ground. Grounds include Family and Medical Leave Act situations, short illness (7-day limit), and death of a family member (4 consecutive days).
  • Chamber officers and committee chairs would be required to keep public electronic lists showing each proxy designation and eligible remote participant, with the number of days and the stated grounds for each entry.
  • Votes cast or presence recorded by a designated proxy would count toward quorum, and remote participation may include casting a vote or recording presence and would not be treated as an absence under the relevant rules.

*The bill does not authorize new funding or tax changes and therefore would not directly change federal spending according to its text.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Proxy voting and remote House attendance

This resolution would let House Members name another Member to vote for them or record their presence for certain reasons. A signed letter to the Clerk, which may be electronic, would be required to name the proxy and certify the reason. Reasons would include FMLA-type leave (like birth, adoption, caregiving, or a serious health condition) with documentation; a minor illness not rising to an FMLA serious health condition (limited to 7 days per year for proxy use); jury duty with proof; the death of a family member (up to 4 consecutive days); military service (up to 15 days a year, or 22 days for State active duty in a national emergency or major disaster) with proof; and an act of God, terrorist attack, or other condition that stops safe travel or work. Members could also join in-person committee meetings remotely for these reasons. Proxy votes and remote participation would count for quorum, and remote participation would not be treated as an absence under House rules. The Clerk would post an online list showing who has a proxy or remote status, the number of days used, and the reason.

Proxy voting and remote Senate attendance

This resolution would let Senators name another Senator to vote for them or record their presence for certain reasons. A signed letter to the Secretary, which may be electronic, would be required to name the proxy and certify the reason, and proof could be required. Reasons would include FMLA-type leave (like birth, adoption, caregiving, or a serious health condition) with documentation; a minor illness not rising to an FMLA serious health condition (limited to 7 days per year for proxy or remote use); jury duty with proof; the death of a family member (up to 4 consecutive days); military service (up to 15 days a year, or 22 days for State active duty in a national emergency or major disaster) with proof; and an act of God, terrorist attack, or other condition that stops safe travel or work. Senators could also join in-person committee meetings remotely for these reasons. Proxy votes and remote participation would count for quorum, and remote participation would not be treated as an absence under the Standing Rules. The Secretary would post an online list showing proxy and remote designations, the number of days used, and the reason for each Senator.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]

GA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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