Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is facing significant pushback from her own party as she pushes for a measure that would allow new parents to vote by proxy in the House of Representatives. Luna, who gave birth while serving in Congress, believes this change is necessary to support young families during a crucial time.
Luna has accused Republican leaders of using threats and bribery to undermine her efforts. She claims that some lawmakers have been approached with offers to join committees or have been threatened with a loss of fundraising support if they support her bill. "I’m not going to be bought," she said, emphasizing the importance of her proposal over personal gain.
Luna is working alongside Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, who also recently had a baby. Together, they have initiated a discharge petition aimed at gathering support from a majority of House members to force a vote on their proposal. This measure would allow new parents to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks surrounding the birth of a child. They have already garnered enough support to bring the issue to the House floor soon.
Despite the push for change, current House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his opposition, citing concerns that proxy voting could undermine the constitutional integrity of Congress. Johnson, who has a pro-family stance, believes that while the Republican Party should support young parents, proxy voting is not the solution. His office has not commented on Luna’s allegations of threats or bribery.
Luna’s fight for proxy voting is not just a personal issue; she sees it as a necessary modernization of Congress. She argues that the current rules do not accommodate the realities of young families. Pettersen echoed this sentiment, recalling her own challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of Congress.
The bill has attracted bipartisan support, with several Republican lawmakers joining the effort. However, Luna believes that some GOP leaders are worried about how this change might affect their slim majority. She pointed out that many families in Congress could benefit from such a policy, including those who are expecting children.
As Luna and Pettersen continue their advocacy, they remain determined to push for a vote. Luna’s resolve is clear: “I don’t play to lose.” The upcoming vote could mark a significant moment for parental rights in Congress, reflecting a shift toward more family-friendly policies in the legislative process.