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.

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.