About 45% of lawmakers in House of Representatives plan to vote by proxy on debt ceiling hike

The House is expected to vote Tuesday on the debt limit increase through Dec. 3

Published: October 12, 2021 4:49pm

Updated: October 12, 2021 5:23pm

About 45% of lawmakers in the Democratic-led House of Representatives are expected to vote by proxy, rather than in-person, on the short term debt limit hike through Dec. 3.

The proxy voting system was put in place for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic. Members designate another lawmaker to vote on their behalf in advance through the submission of a proxy letter.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Tuesday that the debt limit increase is expected to total approximately $500 billion.

According to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office, the House will debate a rule "providing for consideration of H.R. 3110 – PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, H.R. 3992 – POJA Act of 2021, H.R. 2119 – Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, and concurring in the Senate Amendment to the House Amendment to S. 1301 – Temporary Extension of Public Debt Limit."

The House will hold a vote following debate of the rule and if the rule is adopted, "the Senate Amendment to the House Amendment to S. 1301 will be considered hereby passed."

There have been 197 proxy letters submitted by lawmakers, according to the House clerk. This amounts to about 45% of the chamber.