Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 23) permitting parental remote voting by proxy, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 164
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Families
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-08: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 294, H. Res. 164 is laid on the table.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-27T08:06:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 164) is a procedural measure designed to streamline the House of Representatives' consideration of another resolution, H. Res. 23. The goal is to allow the House to quickly debate and vote on H. Res. 23, which would permit parents (specifically, members of Congress who are parents) to vote remotely by proxy—meaning they can designate someone to cast their vote on their behalf while away from the chamber, likely for childcare or family reasons.
Key Provisions
- Immediate Consideration: Upon adoption of H. Res. 164, the House must proceed directly to H. Res. 23 without delays from procedural objections (known as "points of order").
- Deemed Read: H. Res. 23 is treated as already read aloud, skipping that step to save time.
- Debate Limits: Only one hour of debate is allowed, split equally (30 minutes each) between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on Rules, or their designees. No other motions or divisions of the question are permitted.
- Previous Question Ordered: This procedural tool ends debate and forces a vote on adopting H. Res. 23.
- Rule Waiver: Section 2 exempts the consideration of H. Res. 23 from Clause 1(c) of Rule XIX, which generally requires certain committee reports or waivers for motions to suspend the rules (a process to bypass normal procedures).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend substantive laws but alters House procedural rules temporarily for this specific purpose. It waives standard requirements under Rule XIX, which normally impose stricter oversight on expedited proceedings. If H. Res. 23 passes, it could introduce a new House rule allowing proxy voting for parental reasons, marking a shift from traditional in-person voting requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it could influence House operations by enabling more flexible participation for parent members, potentially setting a precedent for future procedural shortcuts on family-related policies.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits for families of lawmakers, promoting work-life balance in Congress. It may encourage broader discussions on parental leave or remote work in government, though it applies only to House members.
- On International Relations: No apparent impact, as this is a domestic procedural matter focused on U.S. congressional operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- House Members: Especially parents serving in Congress, who gain potential access to remote voting options.
- House Committee on Rules: Controls the debate allocation and benefits from the structured process.
- Congressional Staff and Families: Could see improved support for lawmakers balancing parental duties.
- Broader Public: Taxpayers and constituents interested in modernizing congressional procedures for inclusivity.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Proxy voting raises questions about Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which requires members to be "present" for votes, though courts have historically deferred to House rules on internal procedures. This could face challenges if seen as diluting quorum requirements (the minimum number needed for business).
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) suggests cross-aisle support for family-friendly reforms, potentially reducing absenteeism due to childcare. However, it might spark debates on equity—why only parents?—and accusations of eroding traditions like in-person deliberation. If adopted, it could influence future rules on remote participation, especially post-pandemic.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-08: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 294, H. Res. 164 is laid on the table.
- 2025-04-08: NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO DISCHARGE - Ms. Pettersen notified the House of her intent to offer a motion to discharge the Committee on Rules pursuant to clause 2(c) of rule XV. The Chair announced that the House will entertain the gentlewoman's motion within two legislative days.
- 2025-04-01: NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO DISCHARGE - Mrs. Luna notified the House of her intent to offer a motion to discharge the Committee on Rules pursuant to clause 2(c) of rule XV. The Chair announced that the House will entertain the gentlewoman's motion within two legislative days.
- 2025-03-11: Motion to discharge the Committee on Rules filed by Mrs. Luna. Assigned to the Discharge Calendar, Calendar No. 1. (consideration: CR H1146)
- 2025-03-10: Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mrs. Luna. Petition No: 119-1. (<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025031001">Discharge petition</a> text with signatures.)
- 2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
Bill Versions
- Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 23) permitting parental remote voting by proxy, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (2 pages)