Speaker Johnson on Proxy Voting: Unconstitutional and Violates Tradition

Opposition to Proxy Voting

• 💡 Speaker Mike Johnson expresses strong opposition to proxy voting, particularly for new parents, deeming it unconstitutional.
• 🎯 He believes the founders intended for members to be present in person for both quorum and votes, emphasizing the deliberative nature of Congress.

Historical Precedent and Tradition

• 🏛️ Johnson argues that proxy voting violates more than two centuries of tradition within the institution.
• 📌 He references presenting a brief to the Supreme Court against proxy voting when it was first introduced using COVID-19 as an excuse.

Concerns About Limiting Principles

• ⚠️ A key concern is the lack of a limiting principle if proxy voting is allowed for new parents.
• ❓ Johnson questions where the line would be drawn, citing potential scenarios like illness of a spouse or child requiring prolonged absence.
• 🤖 He speculates about a future where remote voting, potentially by AI, could become the norm if this precedent is set.

Motives and Leadership Stance

• 🙏 While acknowledging the pure motives of colleagues like Anna Paulina Luna who support the initiative, Johnson cannot endorse it.
• 🛡️ As leader, he feels a responsibility to protect the institution and its established practices.
• 🗣️ He intends to speak out against this measure, despite understanding the personal circumstances that lead to such proposals.