House Prepares to Vote on Proxy Voting for New Parents as GOP Divisions Deepen

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's resolution, backed by a bipartisan coalition, faces opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson over constitutional concerns.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has secured 218 signatures for a discharge petition, forcing a House vote on proxy voting for new parents.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen, would allow lawmakers to vote remotely for up to 12 weeks after childbirth or in cases of medical need.
Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the measure, arguing it violates congressional tradition and raises constitutional issues, despite his own past use of proxy voting during the pandemic.
Intraparty tensions have escalated, with some members of the House Freedom Caucus opposing the resolution and Luna threatening to stall legislative business if the measure is blocked.
The resolution has bipartisan support, with 12 Republicans joining Democrats, and its passage could set a precedent for accommodating lawmakers with young families.