Congress considers proxy voting for new parents' representation

Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Anna Paulina Luna have gained support from 218 House members for a resolution allowing new parents to use proxy voting for 12 weeks after childbirth. This move aims to make it easier for them to participate in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson previously opposed proxy voting, calling it unconstitutional. However, Pettersen and Luna are using a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and bring the resolution to a vote, despite the historical rarity of such petitions succeeding. The proposal has bipartisan backing, with support from both Democratic and Republican members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, proxy voting was allowed, but it was ended in 2022 when Republicans regained control of the House.