This resolution establishes a system for parental remote voting by proxy for Members of the House of Representatives. It permits a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member as a proxy to cast their vote or record their presence in the House, Committee of the Whole, and committees. This authorization lasts for a period of 12 weeks , beginning on the date of birth, or potentially earlier if a healthcare provider advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or prevents safe travel. To utilize this provision, the Member must submit a signed letter to the Clerk (or committee leadership for committee proxies) specifying the reason and the designated proxy. The proxy Member is required to obtain exact instructions from the absent Member for each vote and announce the intended vote before casting it. The designation can be altered or revoked at any time, and is automatically revoked if the Member casts their own vote in person. Importantly, any vote cast or presence recorded by proxy will not count towards establishing a quorum in either the House or committees. The Clerk of the House is responsible for verifying these designations, notifying relevant leadership, and maintaining a publicly available list of active proxy arrangements. The resolution also extends these provisions to Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, allowing them to designate proxies from among their own ranks for committee votes, though not for votes in the full House.
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Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
Congress
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Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution
USA119th CongressHRES-23| House
| Updated: 1/9/2025
This resolution establishes a system for parental remote voting by proxy for Members of the House of Representatives. It permits a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member as a proxy to cast their vote or record their presence in the House, Committee of the Whole, and committees. This authorization lasts for a period of 12 weeks , beginning on the date of birth, or potentially earlier if a healthcare provider advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or prevents safe travel. To utilize this provision, the Member must submit a signed letter to the Clerk (or committee leadership for committee proxies) specifying the reason and the designated proxy. The proxy Member is required to obtain exact instructions from the absent Member for each vote and announce the intended vote before casting it. The designation can be altered or revoked at any time, and is automatically revoked if the Member casts their own vote in person. Importantly, any vote cast or presence recorded by proxy will not count towards establishing a quorum in either the House or committees. The Clerk of the House is responsible for verifying these designations, notifying relevant leadership, and maintaining a publicly available list of active proxy arrangements. The resolution also extends these provisions to Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, allowing them to designate proxies from among their own ranks for committee votes, though not for votes in the full House.