U.S. House approves temporary measure for proxy voting, remote committee work
The U.S. House approved a temporary rules change Friday that would give members a chance to vote and participate in committee hearings remotely, the local sources reported.
The resolution aims to reduce the number of days members of the House need to be physically present, and opens the door for committees holding virtual markups for must-pass legislation in the coming weeks and months.
The temporary rules change would allow voting by proxy, which would enable some members to designate a colleague to vote for them if they can’t return to Capitol Hill safely to cast their vote in person.
“This House must continue legislating,” House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern said on the House floor. “And we have to do so in a way that is safe for all those around us.”
The resolution would also require the House Administration Committee to study the feasibility of remote voting on the House floor through videoconference platforms or other means.