This concurrent resolution, titled the "Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution," seeks to amend the rules of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its primary purpose is to permit Members of Congress to engage in proxy voting and to attend committee proceedings remotely under a defined set of circumstances. This initiative aims to provide flexibility for legislators facing unavoidable personal or external challenges, ensuring their continued participation in legislative duties. The resolution outlines several specific grounds under which these accommodations are permissible. These include reasons eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), such as serious health conditions or caring for family members. Additionally, Members may utilize these provisions for non-serious illnesses (limited to 7 days annually), jury service, or the death of a family member (limited to 4 consecutive days). Military service also qualifies, with specific day limits depending on the type of service, as do situations preventing safe travel or work due to acts of God, terrorist attacks, or other emergency conditions. To utilize these provisions, a Member must submit a signed letter to the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, certifying the applicable ground and, for proxy voting, designating another Member. Documentation may be required for certain reasons. Importantly, any vote cast or presence recorded by a proxy or through remote attendance will count towards establishing a quorum. Furthermore, the Clerk and Secretary are mandated to maintain and publicly disclose updated lists detailing proxy designations, remote participation, the number of days used, and the specific grounds for each instance, ensuring transparency in the process.
Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
Congress
Congressional committeesFamily relationshipsLegislative rules and procedureMembers of Congress
Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution
USA119th CongressHCONRES-5| House
| Updated: 1/28/2025
This concurrent resolution, titled the "Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution," seeks to amend the rules of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its primary purpose is to permit Members of Congress to engage in proxy voting and to attend committee proceedings remotely under a defined set of circumstances. This initiative aims to provide flexibility for legislators facing unavoidable personal or external challenges, ensuring their continued participation in legislative duties. The resolution outlines several specific grounds under which these accommodations are permissible. These include reasons eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), such as serious health conditions or caring for family members. Additionally, Members may utilize these provisions for non-serious illnesses (limited to 7 days annually), jury service, or the death of a family member (limited to 4 consecutive days). Military service also qualifies, with specific day limits depending on the type of service, as do situations preventing safe travel or work due to acts of God, terrorist attacks, or other emergency conditions. To utilize these provisions, a Member must submit a signed letter to the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, certifying the applicable ground and, for proxy voting, designating another Member. Documentation may be required for certain reasons. Importantly, any vote cast or presence recorded by a proxy or through remote attendance will count towards establishing a quorum. Furthermore, the Clerk and Secretary are mandated to maintain and publicly disclose updated lists detailing proxy designations, remote participation, the number of days used, and the specific grounds for each instance, ensuring transparency in the process.