Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the announcement of House Democrats’ plan to make remote voting permanent.

“Once again we see Speaker Pelosi working to consolidate power and remove opportunities for debate,” said Burgess. “Clearly the reports of last week’s House Democrats conference call have sent her scrambling to find ways to stifle input and reward those who follow her every edict. 

“The Webster Dictionary definition of Congress means to come together and meet.  By instituting permanent remote voting, Speaker Pelosi would eliminate the moments when members of Congress debate on the floor or while walking the halls. If Speaker Pelosi is successful, we will continue to see Washington in a standstill rather than having members negotiate and find common ground.

"In addition, the Constitution stipulates that there must be a quorum present to conduct House business. Nothing in Speaker Pelosi’s plan addresses this and frankly ignores the ability of the American people to be heard through their representatives.

“I will put it simply - remote governing isn’t a government of the people, by the people, or for the people. The people of the 26th District of Texas re-elected me to show up to work, and that is what I intend to do."