Congresswomen Push for Proxy Voting Rights for New Parents in Congress
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Rep. Brittany Pettersen and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna are two of just thirteen women to give birth while serving in Congress, and are now petitioning for proxy voting during the twelve weeks following childbirth. Arguing that the rule blocking them from voting while on leave discriminates against women and the constituencies they represent, the pair have bipartisan support for a resolution that would allow new parents to nominate another member to vote on their behalf. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has rejected the measure on constitutional grounds, leading Pettersen and Luna to seek a procedural move known as a discharge petition to bypass leadership and bring the issue to a vote.
Revised Article
Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado became the 13th voting member of Congress to give birth while in office. She is collaborating with Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the 12th mother in Congress, on a resolution that would allow newly-parenting members to vote by proxy, representing their constituents during a 12-week postpartum period.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the measure, arguing proxy voting is unconstitutional. However, both Pettersen and Luna aim to bypass House leaders using a discharge petition, forcing the issue to a vote.
Despite her frustration with the lack of support from House leadership, Pettersen expressed gratitude for the broad backing the resolution has garnered. “It’s how most people feel watching Congress — it doesn’t have to be this frustrating and difficult, why can’t we do common-sense things?” she queried. Luna, too, sees the inability to proxy vote as a direct insult to the constituents who elected her.
Considering that Congress comprises members older than the average American and stagnant female representation after the 2024 elections, they argue that measures like proxy voting could usher in fresh perspectives. By modernizing Congress and making it more accessible, it can reflect current societal struggles more accurately, according to Pettersen.
The resolution, co-led by Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, enjoys bipartisan support. Despite opposition against proxy voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pettersen and Luna continue to champion their cause, arguing against House Speaker Johnson’s constitutional concerns.
They believe that the lack of accommodations for new parents illustrates institutional resistance to change. Pettersen, who gave birth while serving in Colorado legislature, had to classify her leave as “chronic illness” to be compensated. Luna and Pettersen are determined to gather support for a discharge petition to put the measure to a vote, needing only a few Republicans to sign on.
“This isn’t a vacation, but a critical time for bonding with the most vulnerable member of your family. Congress needs to evolve to accommodate young families, and our country will be better off because of it,” Pettersen argued.
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