Speaker Johnson Rejects Proxy Voting Proposal for Congresswomen After Childbirth

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna criticizes the decision as anti-family, citing pressures on lawmakers to choose between parenthood and representation.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) proposed allowing congresswomen to vote by proxy for six weeks after giving birth, a measure she says supports family values and representation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) declined to support the proposal, preventing it from advancing to a vote in the House.
Luna, who gave birth last year, argues the current system pressures lawmakers to forgo parenthood to maintain their ability to vote and represent constituents.
Republicans have expressed concerns about reintroducing proxy voting, citing potential constitutional issues and misuse, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision could influence Luna's support for Johnson in future leadership elections, as his position may hinge on a narrow Republican majority in the next Congress.