Newhouse Joins Lawsuit Against Proxy Voting

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after he joined in filing a lawsuit in the D.C. Federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of proxy voting. Filed along with more than 20 Republican Members of Congress and four American citizens, the lawsuit is in response to House Democrats' partisan H.Res.965, a resolution that passed earlier this month that changed House Rules to allow proxy voting.

"As Members of Congress, we uphold the solemn responsibility of giving those we represent a voice in the federal government," said Rep. Newhouse. "Delegating that responsibility to another Member of Congress - especially at a time when our constituents are struggling - sets a dangerous precedent in direct contrast to what our Founding Fathers intended: coming together, as a Congress, to debate and deliberate on the difficult decisions facing our nation."

He continued, "The people of Central Washington did not elect me to neglect my Constitutional responsibility to vote – in person – on legislation that directly impacts their lives. American healthcare workers, truck drivers, farmers and farm workers, first responders, and grocery store clerks do not have proxies to fulfill their duties – neither should Members of Congress."

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 filed in the D.C. Federal District Court to enjoin the use of proxy voting.

An overview of the filing can be found here.