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Thompson among first 71 Democrats to...

Thompson among first 71 Democrats to cast proxy votes in Congress

By: Frank Corder - May 28, 2020

Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS 2) joined 70 of his Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to cast the first ever proxy votes on Wednesday.

North Carolina Congressman Dan Bishop shared the list of 71 Democrats who voted by proxy calling it an “unprecedented corruption of Congressional process.”

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Mississippi’s Third Congressional District Congressman Michael Guest called proxy voting “unconstitutional,” adding, “Americans are getting back to work & they deserve Members of Congress who work on their behalf.”

Congressman Steven Palazzo also called the new House rule unconstitutional, sharing a tweet from Congressional Republicans noting that 20 members could control the votes of 220 members under the proxy voting rule.

Thompson defended the practice in a tweet, saying, “The Constitution provides in Article I that each chamber can make the rules of their proceedings. Proxy voting is constitutional. Republicans should take time to read it.”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, called proxy voting a dereliction of duty and noting that such a practice was not what the Founders intended.  McCarthy, along with members of the House Republican Conference, and American citizens are filing a lawsuit in D.C. Federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of the House Democrat vote by proxy rule.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For nearly two decades, he has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com