Nancy Pelosi’s Absurd Proxy-Voting Extension

In recent months, the House of Representatives — taking its cues from the American people for once — has taken steps to move on from Covid. In late February, the Capitol physician repealed the House mask mandate, in keeping with the CDC’s updated guidance. Last week, officials announced a phased reopening of the Capitol, allowing a limited number of public tours for the first time in two years.

But one pandemic “emergency” measure lingers: proxy voting. The provision, originally implemented by House Democrats in May 2020, “allows Members from across the country to continue legislating on behalf of the American people while adhering to the advice of medical experts and protecting public health,” authorizing “virtual hearings, markups, and depositions . . . with Members participating from any location.” It also allows House members to vote on one another’s behalf if a representative isn’t physically present.

About the Author

Nate Hochman

Nate Hochman was a staff writer at National Review.

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In recent months, the House of Representatives — taking its cues from the American people for once — has taken steps to move on from Covid. In late February, the Capitol physician repealed the House mask mandate, in keeping with the CDC’s updated guidance. Last week, officials announced a phased reopening of the Capitol, allowing a limited number of public tours for the first time in two years.

But one pandemic “emergency” measure lingers: proxy voting. The provision, originally implemented by House Democrats in May 2020, “allows Members from across the country to continue legislating on behalf of the American people while adhering to the advice of medical experts and protecting public health,” authorizing “virtual hearings, markups, and depositions . . . with Members participating from any location.” It also allows House members to vote on one another’s behalf if a representative isn’t physically present.