Rep. Chip RoyCompte certifié

... of history and the solemn obligation of representation as outlined in the Constitution. Until earlier this month, never in American history had the House of Representatives institutionalized a process for one or more of its members not present to give their vote – by...

so-called “proxy” – to another member. We did not allow proxy voting while the nation was engulfed in the Civil War. We didn’t allow it while the Capitol building was on fire during the War of 1812. We didn’t allow it through World Wars and the Spanish Flu. We didn’t after 9/11.

The American People send their representatives to Washington to represent them, which in no small part means casting votes for them. By adopting the new rule, they are allowing Representatives to delegate away something that is un-delegable.

Our constituents delegate to their elected member, and their elected member alone, the duty to decide votes on their behalf. Perhaps more – this new rule would dilute the voting representation of Americans whose representative casts, properly, only his or her vote...

...while another member his or her vote and put to ten additional votes. For this reason, I am proud that a constituent of mine has also joined the litigation to preserve proper representation.

America is flexible. We certainly can adapt and use technology where appropriate to streamline hearings, committee work, and share information. The Constitution rightfully contemplates a quorum be present, and that no member of Congress passes off his or her obligation to vote...