The House may return this week to vote on a new economic aid package and a change to the rules that would allow proxy voters, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said.
Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, told Democratic lawmakers Monday to be prepared to return to Washington “no earlier than” Friday, May 15 to vote on the two measures.
The spending bill is expected to be significant — perhaps costing as much as $2 trillion. It will include $1 trillion for state, local, and municipal aid as well as an increase in federal Medicaid spending to help states pay for coronavirus treatment.
The measure is also expected to include a $25 billion bailout for the U.S. Postal Service, “hazard pay” for workers, and money for states to conduct mail-in elections.
“Members are advised that conversations surrounding additional CARES legislation and a rule change related to remote work are ongoing,” Hoyer told lawmakers Monday.
Hoyer said he would provide 72 hours’ notice to lawmakers ahead of a vote.
Democrats plan to pass a resolution allowing lawmakers to vote for absent colleagues on the House floor, which is known as proxy voting. Republicans oppose the rules change but are in the minority and will likely be unable to block it.
Democrats said the rules change would be temporary and would be in use only during the coronavirus pandemic.
The House spending bill is unlikely to win support from the GOP-controlled Senate or White House.
President Trump said he plans to wait weeks before considering new state and local funding.
