Thread by @ChadPergram

1) 2 tracks for Hse action this wk:

One track is approval of the phase “3.5” coronavirus bill…which is possible on Thursday. That’s where members will likely take a roll call vote and file into the chamber in small groups, spread out over several hours to approve the package.

2) The other track is implementing “proxy” or “remote” voting so all members don’t have to be there.

Fox is told it is unlikely the House would apply “proxy” voting to the coronavirus bill on Thursday. But what the House could do is vote to permit proxy voting

3) Hse Rules Cmte likely to meet late today - perhaps in a bigger hrng room than normal to tackle remote/proxy voting plan.

4) It’s notable that some Democrats are referring to this alternative method of “proxy” voting as “remote voting.” Kind of the lowest-tech option available.

5) The process – which is still being worked out – would allow members who cannot come to Washington to cast their ballots on the floor, to notify members who are there how they would vote.

6) It’s not clear exactly how absent mbrs would do so and how they would know which mbrs are present to take their votes. But this was described to Fox as using members as a “human voting machine.” Those members present would then cast ballots on behalf of those who are absent.

7) They would not be allowed to change any votes. And, they want to keep some of this away from the leadership so there is no effort to pressure members to cast ballots a certain way. Mbrs who take the orders from absent members cannot change the ballot of those voting from afar.

8) To implement the remote voting, Fox is told the House is not changing its rules. Instead, it is implementing a “standing order” (which must be voted on). The standing order allowing for remote voting would likely have a sunset and could be altered as they go forward.

9) Proxy voting would just be allowed to respond to the pandemic. Fox is told that potentially the Sergeant at Arms would indicate that a certain number of members may be unable to make it to Washington.

10) The Speaker would be informed and then they’d set up proxy voting. Proxy votes would be specific to each, specific issue in the House. Members would not be given latitude to vote in a “blanket” fashion on behalf of their colleagues.

11) The House used proxy voting on the floor in the early days of the institution. Proxy voting was barred in committee in 1995. However, proxy voting is still used in the Senate and in House/Senate conference committees.

12) Key Republicans have reservations about the proxy voting gambit. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), the top GOPer on the House Administration are skeptical of the plan. Some GOPers are worried about the “security” of the plan. A

13) Also, the GOP brass is feeling pressure from some rank and file members who are now making a point of being on Capitol Hill.

14) “Lots of Republicans have to be against proxy voting because they have people in their conference who say ‘Be at your station!’” said one Democratic source.

15) The proxy voting scenario also gives GOPers another way to cast their favorite target in a negative light: Pelosi One Republican source indicated to Fox that they would use the proxy voting issue as a wedge against Democrats, saying this was a “power grab” by Pelosi

16) However, there is a downside to GOP opposition to proxy voting.“It’s fine until something bad happens,” said one Congressional source. The idea is that GOPers could oppose proxy voting until one or several members contracts coronavirus because they are voting in DC

17) To be clear, it’s possible the House could vote on the proxy voting this week. But that is not set in stone. And it is unlikely that the House would use the proxy process on the upcoming coronavirus bill vote on Thursday.