Palmer Joins Lawsuit Against Pelosi’s Proxy Voting Scheme

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Joins Lawsuit Against Pelosi's Proxy Voting Scheme

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) has joined constituents and members of the House Republican Conference in a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of H.Res. 965, a recently passed resolution that allows representatives to cast votes for themselves and others on the House floor. This rule change was instigated by Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues on a party line vote, and this week, more than a third of the Democrat caucus elected not to represent their constituents in Washington.

"This rule change is not a mere procedure change, but a direct assault on the Constitution and over 200 years of precedent," Palmer said. "The Constitution requires that Congress assembles. There is no emergency so great that Congress cannot meet to do its job of representing the people. It is in situations like this that Congress must respond to the call, not cower in the corner. Our history is littered with wars, pandemics, and attacks on American soil, but none of that has ever prevented Congress from meeting to do the people's business. The current public health crisis should not change that precedent. Precautions can be taken, but Congress must show up to work like everyone else.

"For Speaker Pelosi, this isn't about safety during the pandemic, but about power," Palmer continued. "This week, more than 75 Democrats claimed to be unable to attend the votes in Washington, yet we know at least two of them skipped votes not for safety reasons, but to attend the space shuttle launch. This rule change does not reflect representative government, but it does reflect corrupt governing. One member should not be allowed to cast 5 votes on the same legislative matter, but that's effectively what happened on the House floor this week. You cannot represent your constituents on the House floor when you're not present to vote on their behalf. This process is an insult to those constituents and to frontline workers who have been working around the clock lately to help our country through the current crisis. Congress must come to work like everyone else, and the American people should demand it just like the Constitution does. That's why I'm joining my colleagues and concerned citizens in filing this lawsuit in federal court to overturn the resolution that undermines representative government. We cannot let this unconstitutional power grab go unchallenged."

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