Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) has voiced strong opposition to the practice of proxy voting in Congress, arguing that members should be physically present to carry out their responsibilities. In a recent statement, Roy emphasized that just like millions of Americans who go to work every day, members of Congress should show up in person to represent the people.
"I believe we should show up to work," Roy said. "I believe, like every other single American who has to physically get in their car, go get in traffic, go show up to their job, go show up to the job site, go work all day in the sun... If you are one of 435 people representing 330.5 million Americans, you can show up and do your job physically present in town."
Rep. Chip Roy also acknowledged that there are legitimate reasons members might not be able to attend in person, such as health issues or family emergencies, but emphasized that these should remain exceptions, not the rule. He made clear that the practice of proxy voting could undermine the future of Congress.
"What is at stake here is the future of the institution," Roy concluded, highlighting the importance of physical presence in Congress.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who has been vocal in defending the discharge petition, recently celebrated a key victory in her ongoing battle with leadership. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) canceled all votes for the week, halting progress on critical legislation, including the SAVE Act and measures to address judicial activism, after losing a floor vote over a controversial rule allowing new parents to vote remotely.
Luna, teaming up with Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), forced the issue by gathering 218 signatures, including 11 Republicans, to bring the matter to the floor via a discharge petition. She emphasized the importance of the discharge petition as a tool to ensure that legislation isn’t blocked by leadership.
"The reason a discharge petition is put in place is in the event that members are unable to bring legislation to the floor because for whatever reason the leadership blocks it. There are a few bills that have been filed for a while but have never been voted on. This place loves to consolidate power. The discharge petition must be protected at all costs," Luna stated.
As the debate continues, both Roy’s and Luna’s positions reflect ongoing concerns about the balance of power in Congress and the role of procedural tools in advancing important legislation.
