• President Trump endorses proxy voting for new parents, aligning with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, causing friction with House Speaker Mike Johnson.
• Johnson argues proxy voting is unconstitutional and threatens traditional legislative processes.
• Nine Republicans defy Johnson's leadership by backing the proxy voting measure aimed at aiding new parents.
• Talks progress between Luna and Johnson may signal a compromise as House operations stall.

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed a bipartisan effort to permit proxy voting for new parents in Congress, which poses significant challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, “You’re having a baby, you should be able to call in and vote,” demonstrating his firm support for a proposal led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado. This unexpected backing from Trump has prompted a broader discussion among GOP leadership, placing Johnson in a precarious position as he attempts to navigate party divisions.

Initially, Johnson criticized the proposal, labeling it “unconstitutional” and suggesting it undermines the integrity of the legislative process. However, following Trump’s expression of support, he reached out to Luna to discuss potential limitations on the proposal, expressing a willingness to consider allowing proxy voting solely for new mothers who are unable to travel due to health concerns. Luna expressed appreciation for Trump’s backing, highlighting the importance of the resolution not only for maintaining the GOP majority but also for supporting families in Congress.

This legislative initiative, which would allow proxy voting for up to 12 weeks after childbirth, has attracted both bipartisan support and staunch opposition within the Republican Party. A notable divergence occurred when nine House Republicans sided with Democrats to defeat Johnson’s attempt to block the measure, indicating rising tensions within the party ranks. Lawmakers supporting proxy voting argue that it provides essential flexibility for new parents, especially considering the absence of parental leave policies for Congress members.

As momentum builds for Luna’s proposal, Johnson faces increasing pressure to resolve the procedural impasse that currently stymies House activity, including key legislative priorities aligned with Trump’s agenda. With the House set to reconvene, the outcome of these negotiations remains critical. Discussions between Johnson and Luna suggest a pathway forward, potentially leading to a compromise that could allow for a targeted approach to proxy voting while preserving GOP unity. However, the divisive nature of the issue continues to loom over future legislative actions.

For additional insights, refer to the original articles from New York Times, Forbes, The Hill.