Rep. Andy Biggs: New House rule allowing proxy votes is outrageous ? Increases Pelosi?s power

Americans should be outraged and frightened by an unprecedented rule change backed by Democrats and approved by the House on a 217-189 vote Friday night allowing for proxy voting and remote committee meetings to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.While the duration of the rule change – which drew strong objections from Republicans – was labeled as “temporary” for 45 days, in government there is rarely a “temporary” duration to any new centralization of power.Under this new House rule, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has more control over the House than any previous speaker in American history.HOUSE PASSES PLAN FOR PROXY VOTING, DESPITE GOP OBJECTIONSHouse members now no longer have to travel to Washington to cast votes. These two important changes severely handicap the already fading rights of the minority party.The vote Friday night was not only unprecedented in our nation’s history – it was completely unwarranted.Even in the midst of a public health emergency, the Senate – which has access to the same health information as does Speaker Pelosi – has been resuming its constitutional responsibilities.Americans should applaud Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for refusing to play Pelosi’s game by opposing remote voting for his own chamber.Worse still, Pelosi and her Democratic colleagues expect essential workers in their home districts to show up to their health care clinics, hospitals, grocery stores and other crucial assignments to provide services and resources to members of Congress in our homes.How could Pelosi refill her luxury freezer with ice cream without these essential workers?GINGRICH RIPS PELOSI'S LATE-NIGHT TV ICE CREAM VIDEO: MOST 'TONE-DEAF' THING EVER FROM A HOUSE SPEAKERWhy do Democrats think that members of Congress are more entitled to remain in the comforts of our homes to discharge our constitutional responsibilities?The American people deserve better – and they should demand better from their representatives.Pelosi and House Democrats have sent a horrific message to Americans in the midst of a national crisis.