Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) issued the following statement after he joined in filing a lawsuit in the D.C. Federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of proxy voting. This action is a direct response to Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Majority enacting H. RES 965 which authorized proxy voting on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in our nation’s history.

“Under the action taken by Speaker Pelosi, legislation can be passed through the House of Representatives with merely 20 members of Congress being physically present to cast a vote,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This partisan proxy maneuver raises significant constitutional questions and I believe the proxy vote itself is a violation of the Constitution.”

“For more than 230 years, even amid pandemics, Congress has led by example and met in person to pass legislation and move our nation forward,” continued Huizenga. “New homes are being built, store shelves are being stocked, and goods are being manufactured across West Michigan. Congress should follow this example by safely and responsibly meeting and live up to its constitutional obligations.”

Background:

Seventy Democrats have notified the House Clerk of their desire to have another member cast votes on behalf of their constituents. You can view the list here.

Representing the plaintiffs are Chuck Cooper and Joel Alicea (lead counsel), and Elliott Berke (outside counsel). The suit is being filed in the D.C. Federal District Court to enjoin the use of proxy voting. 

An overview of the filing can be found here.