Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution | ChamberLight
Bills · HCONRES 5
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Concurrent Res.HCONRES 5Family relationshipsMembers of Congress
Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION JAN 28
READING
13MIN
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NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Not a law
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it fundamentally changes how Congress operates during unexpected absences of its members, directly impacting the continuity and efficiency of legislative work. If it becomes law, it would ensure that crucial activities, such as voting on bills and participating in committee discussions, can proceed even if members face serious personal or civic duties, or if travel conditions become unsafe. This could lead to more stable legislative output and ensure that every district's vote is recorded on key issues, preventing absences from potentially delaying or altering legislative outcomes.
Without this bill, members experiencing illnesses, family crises, or other unforeseen events might be forced to choose between fulfilling their personal responsibilities and performing their legislative duties, potentially missing critical votes or committee contributions. This change aims to enhance the resilience of legislative operations, especially in times of widespread crises like pandemics or natural disasters, while also providing public transparency regarding its use. It addresses a real issue of how to balance the demands of public service with unavoidable personal circumstances.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Allows House members to designate another member to cast their vote on the House floor, known as "proxy voting," for specific qualifying reasons.
This ensures a member's vote can still be counted on important legislation even if they are unable to be physically present.
PROVISION 02
Permits House members to attend and actively participate remotely in committee meetings, including casting votes, under certain conditions.
This allows members to contribute to legislative work in committees and fulfill their oversight duties even when they cannot be in the Capitol.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a clear list of approved reasons for both proxy voting and remote attendance, including personal or family illness, a death in the family, jury service, military service, and unsafe travel conditions.
This sets defined boundaries for when these special accommodations can be used, promoting fairness and preventing their arbitrary application.
PROVISION 04
Requires the House Clerk to maintain and publicly share an electronic list detailing each member's use of proxy voting, including the number of days they used it and the specific reason cited.
This provision increases transparency and accountability, allowing the public to see how and why these flexibility measures are being utilized.
PROVISION 05
States that members using proxy voting or remote attendance will still be counted for the purpose of establishing a "quorum," the minimum number of members needed for official legislative business.
This ensures that legislative proceedings can continue and official decisions can be made without being hampered by members participating indirectly.
This bill matters because it fundamentally changes how Congress operates during unexpected absences of its members, directly impacting the continuity and efficiency of legislative work. If it becomes law, it would ensure that crucial activities, such as voting on bills and participating in committee discussions, can proceed even if members face serious personal or civic duties, or if travel conditions become unsafe. This could lead to more stable legislative output and ensure that every district's vote is recorded on key issues, preventing absences from potentially delaying or altering legislative outcomes.
Without this bill, members experiencing illnesses, family crises, or other unforeseen events might be forced to choose between fulfilling their personal responsibilities and performing their legislative duties, potentially missing critical votes or committee contributions. This change aims to enhance the resilience of legislative operations, especially in times of widespread crises like pandemics or natural disasters, while also providing public transparency regarding its use. It addresses a real issue of how to balance the demands of public service with unavoidable personal circumstances.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Allows House members to designate another member to cast their vote on the House floor, known as "proxy voting," for specific qualifying reasons.
This ensures a member's vote can still be counted on important legislation even if they are unable to be physically present.
high
Permits House members to attend and actively participate remotely in committee meetings, including casting votes, under certain conditions.
This allows members to contribute to legislative work in committees and fulfill their oversight duties even when they cannot be in the Capitol.
high
Establishes a clear list of approved reasons for both proxy voting and remote attendance, including personal or family illness, a death in the family, jury service, military service, and unsafe travel conditions.
This sets defined boundaries for when these special accommodations can be used, promoting fairness and preventing their arbitrary application.
med
Requires the House Clerk to maintain and publicly share an electronic list detailing each member's use of proxy voting, including the number of days they used it and the specific reason cited.
This provision increases transparency and accountability, allowing the public to see how and why these flexibility measures are being utilized.
med
States that members using proxy voting or remote attendance will still be counted for the purpose of establishing a "quorum," the minimum number of members needed for official legislative business.
This ensures that legislative proceedings can continue and official decisions can be made without being hampered by members participating indirectly.
Maximum number of days a Member may designate a proxy or participate remotely for an illness not considered 'serious' under FMLA.
4 consecutive days per event
Maximum consecutive days a Member may designate a proxy or participate remotely due to the death of a family member.
15 days in a calendar year
Maximum number of days a Member may designate a proxy or participate remotely due to military service (active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty training).
22 days in a calendar year
Maximum number of days a Member may designate a proxy or participate remotely due to military service (State active duty in response to national emergency/major disaster).
GLOSSARY
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Proxy Voting
A method where one Member of Congress casts a vote on behalf of another Member who is officially absent, after receiving their specific instruction.
Remote Attendance
The ability for a Member of Congress to participate in official legislative proceedings, like committee meetings, from a location other than the Capitol, often using video conferencing.
Quorum
The minimum number of members who must be present at a meeting for official business or votes to be considered valid under the rules of the House or a committee.
Concurrent Resolution
A type of legislative measure adopted by both the House and Senate, but it does not become law. It's typically used to express the sense of Congress or to deal with internal matters of Congress.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
A federal law that allows certain employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as caring for a new child or dealing with a serious health condition.
House Rules
The official set of rules that govern the procedures and conduct of business within the U.S. House of Representatives.
The chief administrative officer of the U.S. House of Representatives, responsible for various duties including legislative, financial, and administrative services, such as maintaining official records.
