Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has successfully opposed efforts by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to block a resolution permitting proxy voting for new parents in Congress.
The proposed measure would allow lawmakers who are new parents, or whose spouses have given birth, to vote remotely by proxy for up to three months. Luna’s initiative gained support from eight other Republicans who joined Democrats in defeating Johnson’s attempt to prevent the resolution’s advancement.
The conflict escalated when Johnson sought to tie the Secure America’s Voting Elections (SAVE) Act to a motion aimed at defeating Luna’s proposal. This strategy was met with resistance, leading to a 222-206 vote against Johnson’s maneuver. In response, Johnson expressed frustration, stating that the failure of the rule vote would halt further legislative action for the week, including votes on election integrity measures and challenges to Biden administration policies.
Luna spoke out against Johnson, stating: “This was a modest, family-centered proposal. Yet, a small group among us threatened the Speaker, vowing to halt floor proceedings indefinitely-regardless of the legislation at stake, including President Trump’s agenda-unless he altered the rules to block my discharge petition.”
Prior to the vote, Luna resigned from the House Freedom Caucus, citing a breach of mutual respect and accusing some members of political coercion to undermine her resolution. She criticized the group’s tactics, stating, “This tactic was not just a betrayal of trust; it was a descent into the very behavior we have long condemned.”
Luna’s proposal has sparked debate within the Republican Party, with supporters arguing that it reflects pro-family values and acknowledges the challenges faced by new parents serving in Congress. Opponents, including Johnson, contend that proxy voting is unconstitutional and that representatives should be physically present to fulfill their legislative duties.
