President Trump came out in support of a bipartisan push in the House to allow proxy voting for new parents in the House, going against House Speaker Mike Johnson’s position on the matter.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s push to bring back proxy voting paralyzed the House earlier this week after Mr. Johnson’s attempts to kill her resolution were rebuked by the chamber’s Democrats and a handful of its Republicans.
Mr. Trump said that he had spoken with Ms. Luna, Florida Republican, about the matter and said that while he was not involved in the issue, he “agreed” with her and others’ push to allow a more limited version of proxy voting once more.
“It’s a little controversial, I don’t know why it’s controversial,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One.
“I’m going to let the speaker make the decision, but I like the idea of being able to, if you’re having a baby I think you should be able to call in and vote,” he continued. “I’m in favor of that, but I understand some people aren’t.”
Ms. Luna thanked the president for his support shortly after.
“I’m confident that with President Trump’s support, my proxy voting resolution will pass and new moms and dads in Congress will be able to vote for the America First agenda we promised,” she said on X.
The speaker, who has decried proxy voting as unconstitutional, opted to send lawmakers home rather than allow Ms. Luna’s measure to reach the floor for a vote. His decision abruptly halted all activity on the House floor for the remainder of the week.
Mr. Trump’s support of Ms. Luna’s measure will likely throw a wrench into Mr. Johnson’s plans for next week, when Republicans are expected to once again face down the proxy voting issue while juggling the Senate GOP’s budget blueprint.
The Washington Times reached out for comment from the speaker’s office.
Ms. Luna’s measure earned support from nine Republicans and all House Democrats earlier this week. Her resolution would reserve proxy voting for new mothers or fathers while they care for a child for up to 12 weeks after birth.
