Lawmakers agree on proxy voting for new parents in Congress

In early April 2025, a significant agreement was reached in the House of Representatives, located in the United States, between Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. This agreement resolved a longstanding issue regarding remote voting for new parents. The need for reform was highlighted as new parents in Congress faced challenges in participating in legislative duties after the birth of their children. Luna had been a vocal advocate for the right of new parents to vote remotely and her efforts had created a considerable stir in recent weeks. The crux of the negotiation focused on reviving a historical practice known as 'live/dead pairing' that dates back to the 1800s. This method allows lawmakers who can't attend a vote—due to circumstances like childbirth, bereavement, or emergencies—to enter a mutually beneficial agreement with another lawmaker who is on the opposite side of the issue. By agreeing to abstain from voting, both lawmakers essentially cancel out each other's votes. The proposal aims to ensure that new parents retain some legislative power while not enabling widespread proxy voting. Johnson confirmed the terms of this deal, which sought to uphold legislative traditions while aligning with the needs of current lawmakers. The agreement came about after a turbulent week in which Johnson and Luna's disagreement had stalled legislative business in the House. The push from Luna for a vote on her measure was met with resistance, resulting in a deadlock that laid bare divisions within the GOP. Notably, Luna’s insistence on pushing for this vote led to her departure from the House Freedom Caucus, showcasing the internal conflicts surrounding this issue. Johnson did not favor proxy voting, which he consider unconstitutional, and previously attempted to block Luna's proposal. As discussions continued, President Donald Trump publicly showed his support for Luna's position, emphasizing the importance of accommodating new parents. The agreement finally allowed the House to proceed with voting on critical bills backed by Trump, including the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA). These pieces of legislation, initially stalled due to the proxy voting conflict, aimed at addressing key voter eligibility measures and judicial boundaries. In the end, Johnson and Luna's compromise was a step towards greater accessibility for lawmakers, particularly focusing on nurturing a more family-friendly legislative environment. This development likely represents a shift in how Congress accommodates personal responsibilities while fulfilling public duties.