H.Con.Res.5 - Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res.5, the Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution, proposes amendments to the rules of the House and Senate to allow members to vote by proxy and remotely attend committee proceedings under specific circumstances. These circumstances include illness, family death, jury service, military service, and other emergency situations. The resolution aims to ensure continued legislative function even when members are unable to be physically present.
Expected Effects
The resolution, if passed, would change the operational procedures of both the House and Senate. It would allow for proxy voting and remote participation in committee proceedings under defined conditions. This could lead to increased participation and potentially faster legislative action, but also raises concerns about the nature of representation and deliberation.
Potential Benefits
- Enables continued representation and participation in legislative activities even when physical presence is not possible.
- Provides accommodations for members facing personal or emergency situations, ensuring their constituents are still represented.
- May lead to increased efficiency in committee proceedings and voting processes.
- Enhances accessibility for members with disabilities or those facing travel restrictions.
- Publicly available records of proxy designations and remote participation enhance transparency.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May diminish the quality of debate and deliberation due to remote participation.
- Could lead to decreased accountability as members may not be fully engaged in the legislative process.
- Potential for abuse of proxy voting, where a few members wield disproportionate influence.
- May create a two-tiered system where some members are always present while others are frequently absent.
- Could erode the sense of collegiality and collaboration within the legislative bodies.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article I, Section 5, Clause 1 states that "Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings." This grants broad authority to set internal rules. However, concerns arise regarding the principle of representation and whether proxy voting and remote participation adequately fulfill the representative function envisioned by the Constitution, particularly Article I, Sections 2 and 3, which detail the composition and election of representatives and senators.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).