G.2. Modified Quorum and Temporary Delegation

In an emergency that the Speaker and Senate Leader have properly declared, each chamber can operate under a modified quorum requirement, as long as:

1. At least one-third (1/3) of the current Members are present physically or by verified secured remote participation; and

2. The Parliamentarian certifies that each Member has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend or connect, except where doing so would endanger life or liberty.

This spells out how Congress functions during an emergency with a reduced quorum

The language in this section is careful; it requires a properly declared emergency, and it sets two conditions. The first is the minimum number of Members who are required, and what “attendance” can look like.

The second is probably the more important of the two. It requires the Parliamentarian in each chamber to certify that any member wanting to attend has been given that opportunity. Why is this a big deal? The Parliamentarian’s certification is crucial. It prevents abuse of a reduced quorum by ensuring every Member has a fair chance to participate. Without that safeguard, a majority could exploit emergency rules to exclude dissenters. This makes that impossible.

Suppose a quorum cannot be met due to death, injury, or dislocation. In that case, each chamber may, by majority vote of those present, adopt a temporary delegation protocol, allowing any present Member to cast votes on behalf of up to two (2) absent Members, but only:

1. If those Members have provided written and signed directives authorizing the delegation, and

2. If the Parliamentarian certifies the authenticity of each delegation directive.

This provision authorizes proxy voting only as a last resort, when a quorum can’t be reached otherwise. Even then, two safeguards apply: proxies must be explicitly authorized in writing by the absent Member, and the Parliamentarian must verify authenticity. These conditions prevent abuse and preserve each Member’s agency.