House conservatives celebrate end of proxy voting

January 11, 2023

A rules package approved in the House of Representatives ended proxy voting in the chamber, a practice that began during COVID-19 as a way to vote without having to be physically present, and conservatives and others cheered the move.

“Congress has been broken for a long time. Over the years, a concentration of power within the Speaker’s Office has kept lawmakers on the legislative sidelines. Lawmaking should be open to all members—not just a select few—so that the best ideas win,” Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said in a statement.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted, “Proxy voting has ended in the House! It was rarely used for its stated purpose of dealing with COVID.”

“But it was frequently abused by members to attend fund raisers, campaign, go on vacation, and avoid traveling for work. I’m one of a small minority who never voted by proxy,” he added.

“Today, House Republicans will vote to END proxy voting once and for all. The House of Representatives isn’t a tech company,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) said. “Its members should work IN PERSON in the People’s House!"

“Tonight the House passed a rule to end proxy voting. Some members of Congress are upset they can no longer vote from the golf course,” Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) tweeted.