House GOP Fails to Block Remote Voting Proposal for New Parents

House Republican leaders are struggling to suppress a bipartisan resolution that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks after the birth of a child. Despite opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, Representative Anna Paulina Luna's discharge petition has gained significant support, with 218 signatures, including those from 11 Republicans and most Democrats. The Republican leadership has attempted to nullify this petition by including provisions in a rules package related to unrelated legislation, a move criticized for pressuring rank-and-file members. Luna, who recently became a mother, has voiced her determination to push for the resolution, stating that it is crucial for modernizing Congress and supporting new parents. The debate highlights a growing rift within the Republican party, as some members prioritize the needs of new parents over traditional party lines. The upcoming House vote will determine if the measure can advance despite Republican leadership's efforts to block it.