U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday formally authorized a 45-day period for house members to cast their votes remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move comes following an adoption of rules changes by the House last week, which give the speaker powers to allow remote voting after receiving notification from the sergeant-at-arms in consultation with the Capitol physician that there is a public health emergency.

Lawmakers unable to travel to the Capitol to cast votes in person can now authorize a colleague to serve as a proxy to vote on their behalf. 

In a letter to her colleagues on Wednesday, Pelosi said she was "hereby designating a 'covered period'" and attached a notice from House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving that there is "an ongoing public health emergency due to a novel coronavirus."

The covered period started on Wednesday, but can be renewed if needed.

The House is expected to be in session next Wednesday and Thursday to vote on legislation to extend government surveillance powers as well as other possible bills in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One lawmaker can serve as a proxy for up to 10 house members, meaning that dozens will still need to be physically present in the House chamber.

The proxy voting system is optional and lawmakers are still free to cast their own votes if they prefer.

Source(s): The Hill