In watching sessions on Livestream this week, I was appalled at all the empty chairs in both houses. And then even more so, when a vote took place and the results were announced. It was obvious that there weren't 115 (out of 118) in the House, when half the chairs were empty.
If there are only 60-70 Representatives in the House, yet a bill passes "constitutionally" with 90-100 votes in favor, just how does this happen?
Well, this morning I found out.
There are different rules in the House and in the Senate, and then there are still further different rules for Republicans and Democrats.
In the House, whether an elected Member is on the floor or not,
someone can vote the Member's switch, if he does not lock the
voting box on his desk.
In the Senate the Democrats allow staffers to vote for them
when they are not on the floor.
Senate Repubicans allow staffers to vote their switches only if the Senator is on the floor and temporarily away from his desk, such as in the bathroom, talking to other
legislators on bills, etc.
I am told that legislators are
aften off the floor during voting to discuss with other legislation with stakeholders.
Each caucus has its own rules as how to handle voting.
Thoughts? Comments?
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