Congressional Emergency Remote Proceedings

On May 15, 2020, the House adopted House Resolution 965 to ensure Congress can continue legislating during COVID-19. The resolution provided for the temporary implementation of remote voting on the House Floor and virtual committee proceedings during a "covered period" designated by the Speaker after receiving a notification from the Sergeant-at-Arms, in consultation with the Attending Physician, that a public health emergency due to a novel coronavirus is in effect. A "covered period" was designated by Speaker Pelosi on May 20, 2020 and was ultimately extended through the end of the 116th Congress.

On January 4, 2021, the House adopted House Resolution 8 of the 117th Congress, which carries forward House Resolution 965 from the 116th Congress. A “covered period” was again designated by Speaker Pelosi on January 4, 2021 and was ultimately extended through the end of the 117th Congress.

On January 9, 2022, the House adopted House Resolution 5 of the 118th Congress, which did not carry forward remote voting by proxy nor remote participation by members during committee proceedings. 

The following information was posted prior to the end of these tools:

 


 

Below, please find useful related documents including a step-by-step guide on how Members can cast their votes remotely on the House floor; letter templates for the designation, alteration, and revocation of proxies; and regulations that were inserted in the Congressional Record for remote voting on the floor and for remote committee proceedings.

  • H. Rept. 116-420—Report from the Committee on Rules to accompany H. Res. 965.
Created:
May 15, 2020