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WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted against today's highly-partisan proxy voting legislation that allows only 22 Representatives to carry enough proxies to pass legislation by a simple majority. 

"Our Constitution creates the House of Representatives as the People's House – a representative body closest to the Americans they serve," said Rep. Estes. "When I took the oath of office, I swore to 'well and faithfully discharge the duties' of a Congressman, and Kansans expect and deserve to have their Representative show up and vote instead of abdicating those responsibilities to others. At a time when health care professionals, first responders, police officers, grocery store workers, firefighters, and others are working hard despite a global pandemic, it's pathetic that Speaker Pelosi would push a bill that allows Members of Congress to be paid while giving their vote away to someone not elected by their constituents." 

H.Res. 965 passed the House 217-189, with three Democrats joining all Republicans to vote against the resolution, altering our 200 year-old legislative process without allowing the minority party to have input or consultation. The resolution allows a Member to carry up to 9 proxies plus their own vote, meaning just 44 Representatives could "represent" the entire 435-member body. 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.