House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is expected to extend proxy voting through the fall — and potentially until the end of the year — Democratic lawmakers and aides tell Axios.
The spread of the Delta variant has alarmed both members and staffers anxious about interacting with the unvaccinated. Pelosi’s anticipated move — continuing an emergency COVID-19 measure enacted last year so lawmakers could vote remotely — is aimed at allaying those concerns.
- “Extending the proxy-voting process is the only rational course forward,” said Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas). “Hopefully, the surge will subside sooner than later, and if so, then perhaps life can get back to normal.”
- The move also will give lawmakers more flexibility to attend events in their districts throughout the fall amid potential razor-thin votes on a bipartisan infrastructure deal, budget reconciliation resolution, annual spending package and motion to increase the debt ceiling.
- With just a 220-211 Democratic majority, Pelosi has little margin for error. She also can’t afford to lose older members to the virus.
- A Pelosi aide said no decisions have been made about extending proxy voting and stressed that the Speaker would follow the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician.
Pelosi Plans > Kill off all the Trump supporters , esp the WHITE PEOPLE in America !!!!
Using the New Strains she bought from China !!!!!!!