House GOP Divided as Proxy Voting Proposal Survives Key Vote

A group of House Republicans sided with Democrats to block Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to kill a proposal allowing new parents in Congress to vote by proxy. The decision disrupted GOP legislative plans for the week and highlighted internal divisions within the party.

House Republicans Block Johnson’s Attempt to Kill Proxy Voting Proposal

Nine House Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday to reject Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to stop a GOP-led proposal allowing new parents to vote by proxy. The move was a setback for Johnson and GOP leadership, who opposed the measure.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s Effort to Support New Parents

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) spearheaded the proxy-voting proposal, allowing lawmakers who recently became parents to vote remotely. She gathered enough signatures through a discharge petition, bypassing party leadership. The proposal was set to be debated later in the week.

Key Republicans Who Defied Leadership

The vote failed 222-206, with GOP Reps. Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Kevin Kiley (Calif.), Nick LaLota (N.Y.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Ryan Mackenzie (Pa.), Max Miller (Ohio), Greg Steube (Fla.), and Jeff Van Drew (N.J.) siding with Luna and Democrats. Their support kept the proxy-voting proposal alive.

Impact on House Legislative Plans

The defeat disrupted the House GOP’s legislative agenda, including a proposed measure to curb federal judges opposed to President Donald Trump. Instead of moving forward with the week’s planned votes, Republican leaders decided to send members home.

Speaker Johnson’s Response

Johnson expressed disappointment over the vote, calling it “very unfortunate.” He criticized the small group of Republicans who sided with Democrats, emphasizing that such moves are rare and disruptive to the party’s agenda.

GOP Division Over Proxy Voting

The proxy-voting proposal has deepened divisions within the Republican Party. Luna’s decision to leave the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus over the issue underscores the tension between traditional GOP leadership and lawmakers pushing for policy changes that accommodate new parents.