New Parent Lawmakers Face GOP Dilemma: Should They Be Allowed to Vote Remotely?

Speaker Mike Johnson recently addressed discussions about a proposal that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy. He believes this idea is unconstitutional and opposes efforts by some far-right members to prevent it from reaching a vote.

Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers gathered enough support to force a vote on the bill. This initiative would let new parents designate a colleague to vote on their behalf for up to 12 weeks after the birth of a child. The bill also accounts for cases where lawmakers might face health issues that prevent them from traveling.

Usually, Johnson’s position as Speaker would block this measure from coming to the floor. However, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, managed to gather enough signatures for a discharge petition to push for a vote. She received backing from 206 Democrats and 12 Republicans, reaching the majority needed.

Despite some suggestions from the House Freedom Caucus to raise the threshold for such petitions to two-thirds—potentially obstructing the bill—Johnson stated he doesn’t support this increase. He acknowledged that raising the threshold might not be feasible and seemed uninterested in altering the established norms of Congress.

Luna, who co-sponsored the bill, highlighted the need for Congress to better reflect American society. After her own difficult delivery in 2023, she shared her struggle to attend key votes, including the removal of a House speaker, emphasizing that current Congressional practices do not adequately support young families.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen from Colorado introduced the bill in January after experiencing the challenge of returning to Congress shortly after giving birth. Historically, women and families have been underrepresented in Congress. Pettersen noted that the make-up of Congress has often leaned toward wealthier, older men, leaving young families behind.

While Congress previously allowed proxy voting during the pandemic, this practice ended when Republicans took control in 2023. This shift raised concerns among many about how new parents are supported in fulfilling their duties while managing family responsibilities.

As these discussions unfold, the impact on current and future families in Congress remains a hot topic. A recent survey indicated that over 70% of Americans support policies that allow for greater family-friendly practices in the workplace, including legislative bodies. This sentiment reflects a broader trend emphasizing the importance of balancing work and family life.

For more details on this ongoing situation, you can check out other reports through CBS News here.



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