WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-2) joined Republican Leadership and Colleagues in filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Democrat rule on proxy voting.

On Friday, May 15^th, 2020, Democrats voted to authorize proxy voting on the House floor; Republicans unanimously voted against it. This rule change gives Speaker Pelosi the ability to conduct remote committee and subcommittee hearings, and general business of the House of Representatives, including quorum calls, and voting, by simple proxy vote of the majority.

“This concept is not only preposterous, it’s unconstitutional,” said Rep. Dunn. “In over 231 years, through any number of hardships, the House of Representatives has never permitted a Member to vote by proxy. Members have always been required to cast votes on the floor of the Chamber. It is our constitutional duty to DO OUR JOB and represent ALL Americans by casting one vote to represent our constituents.”

Historically, the House has continued to work through the Yellow Fever of 1793, the Civil War; the burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812, the Spanish Flu of 1918, and 9/11. 

Rep. Dunn continued, “Medical professionals, grocery store employees, truck drivers, and other workers deemed ‘essential’ have been expected to work throughout this pandemic. Why are we not required to come to work? My job is to serve my constituents, and I intend to show up to work and do just that.”

For more remarks from Congressman Dunn, watch this video.