House GOP asks Pelosi to end proxy voting – bid to end COVID restrictions, have in-person voting

Roughly 30 House Republicans signed a letter Tuesday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her to end all proxy voting measures and remote committee hearings in a bid to reopen Congress as coronavirus cases decline and the country's vaccination rate increases.

On May 15, 2020, The House passed a resolution to allow proxy voting and remote committee hearings due to the coronavirus. Though Republicans now argue due to the wide access to the vaccine and updated CDC guidelines regarding indoor activity, it is time to reopen Congress.

"It is time we follow the science, lead by example, and fully return to work to serve the American people," the letter states. "While we appreciate that the COVID-19 crisis yielded unprecedented circumstances, there is simply no scientific or public health need to continue entertaining these restrictive practices."

The letter argued proxy voting extended vote times and led to delays on the House floor. They also argue remote committee hearings "failed to deliver timely debate and quality legislation on behalf of the American people" due to technical difficulties.

On Monday, Pelosi moved to extend proxy voting until July 3, a process set to expire Wednesday, according to CNN.