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3mo ago

House to Vote on Proxy Voting for New Parents After Rare Bipartisan Push

Representative Anna Paulina Luna secures enough signatures to force a vote on a resolution allowing proxy voting for new parents, despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson.

U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) (L) participates in a ceremonial swearing-in with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) (R), her husband Andrew Gamberzky and her son at the U.S. Capitol on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is seen with her son in the House chamber of Capitol on January 3, 2025.
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Overview

  • Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) filed a discharge petition to bring a resolution on parental proxy voting to the House floor, garnering the required 218 signatures, including support from 12 Republicans.
  • The resolution, co-sponsored by Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), proposes allowing new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks following childbirth or related medical conditions.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) opposes the measure, citing constitutional concerns and fears it could lead to broader proxy voting practices in the House.
  • The resolution explicitly states proxy votes would not count toward establishing a quorum, addressing concerns raised by Republicans during the pandemic-era proxy voting rules.
  • The House is expected to vote on the proposal after its return from recess on March 24, marking a significant test of bipartisan efforts to address work-life balance for lawmakers.