Trump Divides with Johnson on Proxy Voting Issue

Man in suit speaking at podium with flag background

President Trump’s support for proxy voting for new parents has placed him at direct odds with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who seems intent on blocking this common-sense measure despite bipartisan majority support.

Key Takeaways

President Trump endorses allowing new parents in Congress to vote by proxy, stating: “If you’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the measure despite a bipartisan majority of 218 lawmakers supporting it, citing concerns about constitutional issues and past abuses.
Nine Republicans joined Democrats to reject Johnson’s attempt to block the proposal, which would allow lawmakers to vote remotely for up to 12 weeks after childbirth.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who gave birth last year, is leading the bipartisan effort alongside Democratic Rep. Brittany Peterson.
The disagreement has stalled legislative business in the House, with votes canceled for the remainder of the week.

Trump Stands for Working Parents in Congress

In a surprising break with House leadership, President Trump has thrown his full support behind a proposal that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy. The measure, championed by Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), has created an unusual rift between Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. The president’s position reflects a practical approach to governance that many conservatives can appreciate – allowing elected representatives to fulfill both their family responsibilities and duties to constituents without unnecessary barriers.

Trump expressed bewilderment at the controversy surrounding what he views as a straightforward accommodation. “I don’t know why it’s controversial. You’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote. I’m in favor of that,” the president stated plainly. His common-sense perspective stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic resistance coming from Speaker Johnson’s office, which has attempted to frame the issue as a constitutional matter rather than a practical solution for working parents.

Woah.

Given how hard Johnson has pushed to not allow proxy voting, Trump splitting with Johnson is notable. https://t.co/CSt4Nzl9fp

— Emily Wilkins (@emrwilkins) April 3, 2025

Johnson’s Opposition Faces Bipartisan Rejection

Speaker Johnson’s attempt to block the proxy voting measure suffered a significant defeat when nine Republicans joined Democrats to reject his plan. Johnson has consistently opposed proxy voting, citing constitutional concerns and pointing to what he describes as abuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was quickly abused. Republicans put an end to it then, and we cannot allow it again,” Johnson argued, seemingly unwilling to distinguish between temporary pandemic measures and targeted accommodations for new parents.

“I don’t know why it’s controversial. You’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote. I’m in favor of that,” Donald Trump told reporters.

Despite Johnson’s claims that “Republicans are actively working on every possible accommodation to make Congressional service simpler for young mothers,” his actions tell a different story. The proposal has secured the support of 218 House members – a clear majority – including members from both parties. This resistance from leadership against a measure with strong support appears to be more about control than legitimate constitutional concerns, especially considering the narrow scope of the proposed proxy voting rights.

Luna Leads Charge for Working Parents

Representative Luna, who gave birth last year and has firsthand experience with the challenges of balancing congressional duties and motherhood, initiated a discharge petition requiring 218 signatures to force the measure forward. Her frustration with Republican leadership led her to criticize what she sees as political maneuvering rather than substantive policy objections. The proposal would allow lawmakers to vote remotely for up to 12 weeks after childbirth – a reasonable accommodation that acknowledges the biological realities of childbirth and recovery.

“We discussed limiting the vote to just new moms who cannot travel because of health concerns,” said Ms. Luna.

Luna and Democratic Representative Brittany Peterson are leading this bipartisan effort, demonstrating that family-friendly workplace policies need not be a partisan issue. Currently, there is no parental leave from voting for congressional lawmakers – forcing new mothers to choose between their health and performing their elected duties. This situation seems particularly out of step for a Republican party that often champions family values and working parents. President Trump’s support signals that the party may be evolving toward more practical accommodations that reflect real-world needs.