McConnell Defends Proxy Voting in Lawsuit

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has taken a stance in a legal dispute regarding proxy voting in Congress, asserting that the courts should refrain from interfering with legislative voting practices. In an amicus brief, drafted with the help of former Attorney General Bill Barr, McConnell expressed his opposition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) implementation of proxy voting during the COVID-19 pandemic but emphasized that judicial intervention is inappropriate. He criticized a Texas federal court's ruling that deemed some proxy-voted legislation unenforceable, arguing it overstepped judicial boundaries. Pelosi introduced proxy voting in May 2020 to accommodate lawmakers during the pandemic, allowing them to vote remotely. This practice, however, has faced scrutiny as it extended through her term, with reports indicating that members from both parties were misusing the privilege. A study highlighted that Democrats utilized proxy voting more frequently, leading to concerns about lawmakers avoiding in-person votes. McConnell aligned with the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security, warning that the lower court's decision could disrupt Congress's daily operations and undermine established legislative procedures. Criticism from Republican leaders has intensified, particularly regarding the absence of members during key votes. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy condemned the high number of absentees during an omnibus vote, labeling it a stain on Congress. Other Republicans echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the apparent increase in proxy voting on Fridays and alleging dishonesty among members regarding their voting status. The legal battle continues, with the Texas attorney general's office expected to present its arguments soon.