Bill · H.Con.Res. 5· House(119-HCONRES-5)
Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution
- Introduced
- 1/28/2025
- Last activity
- 1/28/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
- Sponsored by
- Nikema Williams
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
A concurrent resolution is how the House and the Senate settle something they do together, such as a budget plan or a joint session. It is adopted once both chambers agree to it, and that puts it into effect; it is not a law, so it does not go to the President.
What this bill would do
This concurrent resolution is titled the Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution. It establishes specific grounds under which members of the House of Representatives and Senators may vote by proxy and attend committee proceedings remotely. The permitted grounds include family and medical leave, general illness, jury service, the death of a family member, uniformed services duty, and safety threats such as acts of God or terrorist attacks. The legislation also requires the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate to maintain and publicly post updated lists of proxy designations and remote participation details.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill requires the Clerk and Secretary to maintain and make publicly available lists of proxy designations and remote attendance reasons.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
The bill accommodates Members of Congress who are currently serving in the uniformed services.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The bill provides specific accommodations for Members of Congress serving in the uniformed services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 and Section 3: These sections allow members of Congress to use proxy voting and participate remotely in committee proceedings during family and medical leave, general illness, jury service, family deaths, uniformed services duty, or emergencies like terrorist attacks and acts of God. This ensures that our elected officials can continue to represent their constituents and fulfill their duties even when facing personal hardships, health issues, or civic and military obligations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2 and Section 3: These provisions allow members of Congress to be counted for quorums, cast votes through other members, and participate in committee work remotely instead of being physically present. Some may view the allowance of proxy voting and remote attendance as a negative outcome because it means elected officials may not be physically present in Washington to debate and conduct business in person.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+5
- 1/28/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Rules.