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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04), Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01), and Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03) joined a group of Republican Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in a lawsuit in the D.C. Court of Appeals against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s rule change to allow proxy voting in the House of Representatives. The lawsuit aims to challenge the Constitutionality of proxy voting in the House.
The controversial rule change, enacted by H. Res. 965, provides the framework for a single Member of the House of Representatives to vote for multiple other Members on the floor, an act unheard of in the 231 history of Congress.
“Speaker Pelosi’s implementation of proxy voting is unconstitutional. The Constitution makes it clear, there must be a majority of members present to conduct House business. By signing on to this lawsuit, I am committing to refrain from lending my vote via proxy or placing a vote via proxy on behalf of another member. When South Mississippians sent me to Washington, they placed their confidence and trust in me, not a proxy vote. Now is the time for Congress to lead by example, not hide from our responsibilities,” said Congressman Palazzo.
It is our duty to be present and not have a Member from another state usurp that authority. You cannot have a quorum on paper, a procedure that is clearly unconstitutional,” said Congressman Kelly.
“This latest power grab by Nancy Pelosi is an obvious disregard for over 230 years of precedent in the legislative branch of our government. Throughout our nation’s history, the People’s House has met despite disease, war, and national tragedy. The American people expect their Members to represent them in Congress, not stay at home while still collecting a paycheck. This move by Speaker Pelosi suggests a total disregard for the rules of the House and our nation’s Constitution, which is why I will continue to fight to see that we put an end to the dismantling of a precedent that has helped build our great nation,” said Congressman Guest.
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