Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution

This measure lets members of Congress vote by proxy and join committee meetings remotely when they can’t be there in person for certain reasons. Allowed reasons include jury duty, the death of a family member, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, the member’s own illness or serious health condition, the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, military service by the member, a family member being called to active duty, or conditions that make travel unsafe or prevent work at the proceeding. It applies to both the House and the Senate, and it sets procedures for designating another member to vote or to count presence, and for joining a committee meeting from afar .

Members must file a written notice that explains the reason and provide any needed documents. The House Clerk and the Senate Secretary must keep and share a public list that shows the reason used, time frames, and other details. Some reasons have time limits; for example, an absence for a member’s own illness is limited to seven days in a calendar year .

• Who is affected: Members of the House and Senate who are absent for specific, approved reasons .
• What changes: They may designate another member to vote or mark them present and may appear remotely at committee meetings, with required notices and documentation made public by chamber officials .
• When/limits: Some reasons have time caps; for instance, up to seven days per year for a member’s own illness .