House panel unveils rules changes to allow remote voting, hearings
By Cristina Marcos - 04/22/20 10:38 AM EDT
House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) on Wednesday unveiled a measure that would allow a form of remote floor voting and virtual committee hearings so that lawmakers can continue legislative operations while away from the Capitol during the coronavirus pandemic.
The resolution would allow proxy voting, in which absent House members could authorize other members physically present in the House chamber to cast votes on their behalf. It would also permit virtual committee proceedings and authorize a study on how the House could use technology to allow members to participate in floor debate remotely.
"Experts are warning that we could see a second surge of coronavirus cases in the coming months. Should more lockdowns come quickly, I don’t want us to look back then and wish we made changes now. We cannot risk Congress grinding to a halt because of this virus. We need to act," McGovern said in a statement.
McGovern's committee will vote Wednesday evening to advance the resolution to the House floor. The full House is expected to vote on the rules changes on Thursday.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/house/494079-house-panel-unveils-rules-changes-to-allow-remote-voting-hearings
