Rep. Spano Cosponsors the "No Pay for Proxy Voting Act' - Withholds Pay for Members of Congress Who Do Not Come to Washington for Votes

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ross Spano (R-FL) cosponsored H.R. 7044, the "No Pay for Proxy Voting Act', which would withhold pay from Members of Congress who vote by proxy as opposed to casting votes in-person.

"Asking the American people to safely return to work, while some Members of Congress stay home and collect a paycheck is hypocritical. This may sit well with Speaker Pelosi, but not with me," said Rep. Spano. "Speaker Pelosi is taking the voice and vote of millions of Americans and putting it in the hands of just a dozen Members-- It's plain wrong, and I'm sure it will be found unconstitutional."

This bill proposes to withhold one day's worth of pay for Members of Congress for every day that Member uses a designated proxy to cast a vote. To comply with the 27th Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits any law that changes the salary of members of Congress during the current term, the salaries withheld under this law are placed in an escrow account until the last day of the term.

On May 15th, 2020, Democrats in the House passed H.Res. 965, which allows members of Congress to designate another member to serve as their "proxy" and cast votes on their behalf. Members may vote for up to 10 other members. This is the first time in the Chamber's history that the House has voted by proxy. The resolution passed, 217 to 189, with no Republicans supporting the measure.

On May 27th, 2020, Rep. Spano joined a lawsuit, led by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), against Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Democrats over the constitutionality of proxy voting in the House of Representatives.

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