Casten Applauds House Rule Change to Allow Remote Voting
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement upon the House passage of a rule change allowing Members to vote remotely and to hold remote committee proceedings.
Casten said, "For the sake of public health, our government has been urging Americans: If you can stay home, please stay home. But because of the House's archaic rules, my colleagues and I have been unable to practice what we preach. It was critical that Congress create a way to do the critical work for the American people without risking public health. I'm proud to vote for this rule change so we can keep working hard for the American people without endangering their health with our frequent cross-country treks."
The temporary rule change allows Members to vote by proxy via other Members. In practice, this will typically mean that Members who live close enough to the Capitol that travel is relatively safe – such as a Maryland and Virginia representative – will cast votes on behalf of and under the specific direction of Members whose homes are more distant. It would also allow committees to conduct proceedings remotely.