Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: Speaker Johnson ‘Held Hostage’ by Far-Right Faction in Remote Voting Battle | CNN Politics

GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna recently left the House Freedom Caucus, citing disagreements over her proposal for remote voting for new parents. She accused some members of the group of holding Speaker Mike Johnson “hostage” and acting insincerely.

Luna expressed her frustration, stating, “A small group threatened to shut down the House floor, and that’s not right.” She believes that while there are valuable people in the Freedom Caucus, certain members aren’t genuinely representing their shared interests.

Luna, alongside Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen, is advocating for a change that would allow new parents, both mothers and fathers, to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks following the birth of a child. However, this proposal has sparked debate within the Republican Party. Some leaders argue that allowing proxy voting could lead to constitutional issues and set a problematic precedent.

To push her proposal forward, Luna is considering a discharge petition. This strategy allows group members to bring bills to the floor if they gather enough support—specifically, 217 votes.

The House is expected to vote soon on a measure that could prevent Luna’s proposal. Interestingly, some GOP lawmakers are hesitant about opposing new parents in Congress, leaving the future of the vote uncertain.

Luna seems confident about her chances but hinted at expanding her strategy if necessary. She stressed the importance of ensuring that parents can participate in the legislative process, especially following a recent announcement from a colleague about her pregnancy.

Pettersen also voiced concern about their chances in the upcoming vote. She mentioned, “It’s going to be tough, but I think we’ll have the votes.” Both lawmakers feel that prioritizing the needs of parents is crucial.

The issue of proxy voting isn’t new; during the pandemic, many members voted by proxy, yet it continues to stir controversy. Some Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, have criticized remote voting as unconstitutional, fearing it could lead to a slippery slope where members might vote through automated means.

This situation highlights a deeper divide within the party and raises questions about how Congress will adapt to the evolving needs of its members. The reaction on social media has been mixed, with many advocating for more family-friendly policies while others fear changing traditional practices.

As Congress debates these rules, they must also consider the implications for future parents and the changing workforce dynamics—an issue that resonates far beyond the walls of Capitol Hill.

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