H.R.es164 - Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 23) permitting parental remote voting by proxy, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res. 164 provides for the consideration of H.Res. 23, which would permit parental remote voting by proxy in the House of Representatives. The resolution outlines the process for debating and voting on H.Res. 23. It sets time limits for debate and waives certain rules related to its consideration.
Expected Effects
If adopted, H.Res. 164 will allow the House to proceed with debating and voting on the merits of parental remote voting by proxy. This could lead to the implementation of such a system, changing how representatives participate in House proceedings. The immediate effect is procedural, setting the stage for a substantive vote on remote voting.
Potential Benefits
- Could allow representatives with young children to more easily balance their family responsibilities with their legislative duties.
- May increase participation in House proceedings, especially for those facing travel constraints or health concerns.
- Could set a precedent for modernizing congressional procedures to better accommodate the needs of its members.
- Could lead to increased representation of parents with young children in Congress.
- May improve work-life balance for members of Congress.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could diminish the importance of in-person debate and deliberation in the House.
- May raise concerns about the security and integrity of remote voting systems.
- Could create unequal access to participation based on technological capabilities or resources.
- May lead to decreased accountability of representatives to their constituents.
- Could set a precedent for further erosion of traditional congressional procedures.
Constitutional Alignment
The Constitution grants Congress the power to determine its rules of proceedings (Article I, Section 5). This resolution appears to fall within that power, as it pertains to the internal procedures of the House. However, the long-term implications of remote voting on the representative nature of the House could raise questions about the spirit of Article I, Section 2, which calls for members to be 'chosen...by the People of the several States'.
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).