Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution

Summary

Allows Members of the House who give birth, or whose spouse gives birth, to designate another Member to cast their House and committee votes for up to 12 weeks beginning on the date of birth (with earlier designation allowed for pregnancy-related medical reasons). It sets paperwork, verification, and transparency rules for the proxy, limits counting proxy-held Members toward quorum, and clarifies special rules for Delegates and the Resident Commissioner.

• Permits House Members who give birth or whose spouse gives birth to designate another Member as proxy for floor and Committee of the Whole votes for up to 12 weeks starting on the date of birth.
• Requires a signed, dated letter to the Clerk with an affirmative statement, proxy identity, and original signature before the first proxy vote.
• Clerk must verify designations, notify leadership and affected Members, and keep a public electronic list of active proxies.
• Floor proxy votes use a ballot card marked “by proxy,” and the proxy must follow the absent Member’s exact instructions; the absent Member cannot be counted for quorum.
• Extends proxy authority to committee votes with separate written designation to committee leaders and a requirement that proxies obtain, as practicable, written instructions from the absent Member.
• Automatic revocation occurs if the absent Member casts a vote or records presence themselves; proxies can be revoked or altered by signed letter.
• Delegates and the Resident Commissioner are covered for designation rules but cannot themselves cast House floor votes or be designated by Representatives; they may be designated only by their peer Delegates/Resident Commissioner.