In a significant development for new parents in Congress, U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s proposal to allow remote voting for new mothers is gaining traction following an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This endorsement marks a pivotal moment in a debate that has seen resistance from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who previously halted all House business over his opposition to the measure.
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on April 3, 2025, expressed his support for Luna’s initiative, stating, “If you’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote. I’m in favor of that.” He added that he did not understand why the proposal was controversial, suggesting that it should be a straightforward issue of accommodating new parents in Congress.
For context, Luna, a Republican from Florida, had previously left the conservative House Freedom Caucus due to internal opposition to her bill, which she co-sponsored with Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado. The legislation aims to allow both mothers and fathers in Congress to vote by proxy for 12 weeks after the birth of a child, a measure intended to support those balancing legislative duties with the demands of parenthood.
Following Trump’s comments, Speaker Johnson reached out to Luna to discuss potential compromises, including limiting the proxy voting to only new mothers who are unable to travel due to health concerns. Luna welcomed this dialogue, labeling it as “smart” and emphasizing that only 13 members of Congress have given birth while serving in U.S. history.
Despite this progress, Johnson remains staunchly opposed to proxy voting, arguing that it could lead to a slippery slope of remote voting for various reasons, undermining the constitutional integrity of the legislative process. He previously described the idea as “opening Pandora’s box” and has attempted to block the discharge petition that Luna and her allies successfully pushed through, which garnered 218 signatures.
This petition, filed on March 11, 2025, signals a rare bipartisan effort, as it includes support from nine Republicans alongside all Democrats. However, Johnson’s efforts to suppress the proposal led to a dramatic vote where his plan was rejected, resulting in him canceling all House votes for the remainder of the week.
In light of these developments, Rep. Kat Cammack, a Republican who is expecting her first child, expressed hope that Luna’s bill would be considered on its own merits rather than being entangled with other legislative priorities. She stated, “I’d have liked to see each of these measures receive consideration independently to give them the time and attention they deserved.”
Supporters of the proxy voting initiative see it as a necessary step toward modernizing Congress and making it more inclusive for new parents. Luna noted that the current structure creates barriers for those who wish to serve while also managing family responsibilities. “This is a major step forward in our fight to remove barriers that make it difficult for new parents to serve in Congress,” Pettersen remarked after the recent vote.
On the other hand, some conservative voices have criticized the proposal. Evita Duffy-Alfonso, daughter of Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, argued on social media that parents in Congress should resign if they cannot fulfill their duties due to parenting responsibilities. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas echoed similar sentiments, labeling proxy voting as unconstitutional and suggesting that lawmakers should prioritize their commitments to their constituents over personal circumstances.
As discussions continue, Johnson has indicated that he is looking for alternative ways to support new parents in Congress without resorting to proxy voting. He mentioned, “I’m working on every possible accommodation aside from being able to vote by proxy to aid new mothers in Congress.” However, the pressure is mounting for him to find a resolution, as the House is currently at a standstill, affecting the broader legislative agenda.
The implications of this debate extend beyond just parental rights; they touch upon the very structure and function of Congress. The ability to vote remotely could redefine participation in legislative processes, especially in an age where flexibility is increasingly necessary for many professionals, including lawmakers.
As the House prepares to reconvene on April 7, 2025, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Luna, Johnson, and the rest of Congress. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how parental responsibilities are navigated within the halls of power, potentially reshaping the landscape for future generations of lawmakers.
In summary, the push for proxy voting for new parents in Congress has gained momentum with Trump’s endorsement, challenging traditional views on legislative participation and opening the floor for discussions about inclusivity and modern governance.
