Rep. Rashida Tlaib Sets New Standard for Absurdity

In a move that has been described as unprecedented, Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has set a new standard for absurdity in the House of Representatives. On Tuesday, she wrote on Twitter that she was “unable to physically attend proceedings in the House Chambers due to the ongoing public health emergency” and then had her proxy Andy Levin vote “present” for her. This is an unusual move, as it allows her to cast a vote without actually being present in the chamber. The tweet that sparked this controversy reads: “I continue to be unable to physically attend proceedings in the House Chambers due to the ongoing public health emergency. I have requested my colleague @RepAndyLevin serve as my proxy and he will be voting "present" on my behalf today." The tweet included a link to an article about how she was using Levin as her proxy. This move has been met with criticism from both sides of the aisle, with many questioning why Tlaib would choose such an unorthodox method of voting when there are other options available such as remote voting or abstaining from voting altogether. Others have pointed out that this sets a dangerous precedent, allowing members of Congress who cannot make it into session due to illness or other reasons to still cast votes without being present in person. It remains unclear if this will become a regular practice or if it was simply done out of necessity due to Tlaib's inability to attend session in person due to health concerns related to COVID-19. However, what is clear is that this move by Tlaib has certainly raised eyebrows and caused debate over whether or not it should be allowed going forward.