House Prepares Vote on Proxy Voting for New Parents

A contentious debate has emerged in the U.S. House of Representatives over a proposal to allow new parents to vote by proxy while on leave. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a key advocate of the resolution, argues that it is essential for improving representation, especially after recent instances where members had to miss votes due to childbirth. Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the measure, claiming it violates constitutional norms and tradition, asserting that it could lead to widespread remote voting. Despite Johnson's objections, Luna has successfully gathered enough support to trigger a vote on the issue, with backing from both Democrats and some Republicans. The proposal is designed to permit new parents to designate another member to vote on their behalf for up to 12 weeks after childbirth. As tensions rise within the GOP, discussions continue around potentially raising the threshold for discharge petitions, which could impact the resolution's progress.