Elections Clause

Members spoke on the House floor about the Constitution’s Elections Clause (Article I, Section 4, Clause 1), which gives Congress power to make or alter rules for congressional elections. Representative Val Hoyle argued that this text gives Congress authority over election regulations, cited a court order directing the administration not to interfere with voting by mail, pointed to Oregon’s all-mail voting system, and asked colleagues to keep their promises to follow the law and protect the right to vote. No other statements were recorded in the sample provided.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

1 statement

Val T. Hoyle, OR

Democrat

Linked statement

“The Constitution gives Congress the power to set election rules, and a court ordered the administration not to interfere with voting by mail. In Oregon, we vote entirely by mail. I want my colleagues to keep their promises to follow the law, defend our democracy, and protect everyone's right to vote.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Constitution says: The time, place, and manner of elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof, but Congress may at any time by law--by law--make or alter such regulations. There is a court order saying the administration may not interfere with vote by mail. In Oregon, we only vote by mail and have done so since 1995, and yet, here we are. Where are my colleagues who took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law? Where are my colleagues who took an oath to uphold the separation of powers between Congress and the executive branch and representative democracy? Where are my colleagues who took an oath to uphold the peaceful transfer of power, to allow every eligible citizen to vote? Where are my colleagues? History will not judge this cowardice well. Where the hell are you? Stand up and uphold the Constitution. You took a damn oath.

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from issue 138

  1. House of Representatives Elections Clause 1 statement
  2. House of Representatives Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1501, Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025; Providing for Consideration of H.R. 9436, Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026; Providing for Consideration... 16 statements
  3. House of Representatives Agoa Extension Act 8 statements
  4. House of Representatives In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Chuck Edwards 8 statements
  5. House of Representatives Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Michael Joseph in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Ethics 6 statements
  6. House of Representatives Resolution Recommending That the House of Representatives Find Hector Roos in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with Subpoenas Duly Issued by the Committee on Ethics 5 statements
  7. House of Representatives Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026 23 statements
  8. House of Representatives Providing for the Condemnation and Denouncement of Socialism in All Its Forms, and for Other Purposes 23 statements
  9. House of Representatives Liberty and Justice for All 19 statements