In shadow of coronavirus, Congress contemplates 'one of the biggest rule changes in the last century'

As the House of Representatives prepares to pass a historic $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faces a bigger challenge: figuring out a way for 435 members to cast votes in the time of social distancing.

House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer has said Friday’s coronavirus vote will be a voice vote, which does not require all House members to be present. However, a voice vote can be derailed by a single objection from any one of the 435 House members. And multiple members have said they are unsure whether they will support the legislation.

Last week, Pelosi, whose office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, assigned Democratic House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern the task of compiling a report on “voting options during the COVID-19 pandemic.” These changes would only apply to the House. However, both voice votes and unanimous consent can be derailed by a single objection. And even if there is widespread support for the initial coronavirus relief package, Pelosi and others have said there will likely need to be other aid legislation passed soon as the pandemic continues.

According to the Hill source. McGovern also said on Tuesday’s caucus call that he believed Republicans would be amenable to implementing proxy voting. While the current voting system on the House floor is electronic, it is closed off and disconnected from the internet. According to the Hill source, McGovern discussed his recommendations on a call with Pelosi and the Democratic caucus on Tuesday, saying one of the issues with any internet-based voting system is that it paves the way for rival states, including China and Russia, to interfere.

“Simply put, the House of Representatives must instantiate the option for emergency remote voting by teleconference that can be invoked during the coronavirus pandemic,” Schuman wrote. “This option should not be a first resort. Indeed, the House should try to continue its operations under current House rules.”

The Hill source said that Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., was also adamant about the need for remote voting in the Democratic Caucus telephone call on Tuesday.

Lousy democrats never change bipartisan

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Factbox: U.S. lawmakers who tested positive for the coronavirusThree members of the U.S. Congress have tested positive for the coronavirus, and... Has any reporter seen Rand Paul's test? Where was it done and who did it? I wouldn't put it past him to have this as part of a 'See, I didn't even get sick. It's no big deal' scheme, which would be convenient with all the re-opening talk. What are the odds that Rand Paul is quarantined anywhere near Ron Paul. Love to see if Ron Paul still believes COVAD-19 is a hoax. Alhey
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Baby boomers grew up fearing nuclear war. Now we fear something too small to seeBaby boomers grew up fearing nuclear war. Now we fear something too small to see (via latimesopinion) opinion opinion Allah bless opinion lol I fear nuclear war
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »

Putin, citing coronavirus, postpones vote on changes to extend his ruleRussian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday postponed a nationwide vote on con... And we will see tRump follow suit... Shit NO. Like an actual vote really matters. It's all just theatrics, as no one will oppose it ...unless they want to meet a mysterious and untimely death or simply disappear.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Exclusive: CME pushed to change gold delivery rules amid coronavirus lockdown - sourcesThe London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and several major banks that trade ... IPOT1776 IPOT1776 I’d love to hear more. IPOT1776 Rdoc on Spaceshot76 Just talked about Gold tonight...
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus, palace announcesPrince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus, Clarence House has confirmed in the last few minutes.
Source: RedMagDaily - 🏆 312. / 61 Read more »

Column: How coronavirus turned supermarket workers into heroesSupermarket workers have become a new kind of first responder in the age of coronavirus
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »