In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a bipartisan push to allow proxy voting for new parents in Congress. This unexpected move has dealt a significant blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has strongly opposed the measure.
“You’re having a baby, you should be able to call in and vote,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Florida. His remarks have reignited a heated debate over whether congressional lawmakers should be granted parental leave from voting, a privilege currently unavailable to them.
Trump’s endorsement follows a direct conversation with Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican who has been leading efforts to implement proxy voting for lawmakers in the weeks following childbirth. The proposed resolution seeks to permit remote voting for up to 12 weeks postpartum, ensuring that lawmakers can fulfill their legislative duties without sacrificing crucial family time.
Speaker Johnson has consistently resisted attempts to change House rules to accommodate proxy voting, arguing that it would set a problematic precedent. However, Trump’s public support has intensified pressure on Johnson to reconsider his stance.
Following Trump’s statement, Luna revealed on social media that Johnson had reached out to her, signaling a possible shift in his position. “We discussed limiting the vote to just new moms who cannot travel because of health concerns,” she stated, hinting at a potential compromise.
Luna’s fight for proxy voting gained momentum after she gave birth last year. She strategically employed a discharge petition, a rarely used procedural tool that requires 218 signatures to force a vote on legislation without leadership approval to bring the measure to the forefront of congressional debate.
With bipartisan backing and Trump’s influential endorsement, the proposal now stands a stronger chance of passing. If implemented, it would mark a significant shift in congressional norms, bringing workplace policies in the legislative branch closer to those in the private sector.
Trump’s intervention has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters argue that the measure reflects a modern and family-friendly approach, allowing lawmakers to balance professional responsibilities with parental obligations.
Critics, on the other hand, fear that proxy voting could open the door to broader absentee voting practices, potentially undermining the integrity of legislative proceedings.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups for working parents and gender equality have welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for Congress to set a progressive example for the rest of the country.
With Trump’s endorsement and growing bipartisan momentum, Speaker Johnson may be forced to soften his opposition or risk political fallout. The measure’s fate now lies in the hands of lawmakers who must decide whether to embrace a modernized approach to congressional duties or maintain the status quo.
As the debate unfolds, all eyes remain on Capitol Hill, where this decision could redefine the way American lawmakers balance governance and family responsibilities.
