LaMalfa Joins Lawsuit Challenging the Constitutionality of Proxy Voting

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after he was added as a plaintiff to a lawsuit in the D.C. Federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of proxy voting. This lawsuit was filed by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, 19 other House Republicans, and 4 other Americans on May 26^th, 2020. Additionally, Congressman LaMalfa vowed to refrain from using the proxy vote in any way.

LaMalfa said: "House Democrats in a partisan vote delegitimized this body with their proxy voting scheme. Over seventy of my Democrat colleagues have supported a bill to hand their vote over to another member – leaving their constituents to be represented by another district. I joined this lawsuit because the U.S. Constitution is the foundation for all laws in this country, and this change in House rules violates our most important governing document. Article I Section 5 of the Constitution clearly says a majority of members present shall constitute a quorum, meaning no business may take place without a majority of members in attendance. Our Founders intended for Congress to meet in person to be the voice of our constituents. Even if temporary, proxy voting opens the door to unforeseeable risks that Americans cannot afford – literally. Just look at the $3 trillion bill Speaker Pelosi forced through the House two weeks ago. With proxy voting in place, a mere 22 Members of Congress could make any decision on any bill. The risks to the republic are too great. Members of Congress are elected to be the voice of the people they represent, not to give away that voice because it is inconvenient for them to travel to DC."