Two former members of Congress, one Democrat and one Republican, argue in favor of reinstating proxy voting for new parents, highlighting the challenges of balancing family and public service. They acknowledge criticisms of proxy voting but emphasize the need to ensure its responsible use for legitimate reasons. They believe proxy voting can strengthen democracy by enabling representatives to fulfill their duties during life's unavoidable challenges.
As the 119th Congress gets underway, leaders from both parties are facing the narrowest margins in nearly a century. With every vote carrying significant weight, attendance on the House floor will be crucial. Two former members who served together during the 115th, 116th, and 117th Congress es, one Democrat and one Republican, understand the immense responsibility of representing their constituents.
Together, they cast thousands of votes on the House floor, navigating the challenges of balancing their duties as lawmakers with the demands of family life. They both experienced the difficulties of reconciling parenthood with public service, whether it was attending to the birth of their children, dealing with personal illnesses, or responding to family emergencies. \During the 117th Congress, proxy voting provided members with the ability to ensure their votes were cast and their constituents remained represented, even when they couldn't be physically present on the House floor. Between them, they have five children, and during their time in Congress, they broke barriers, made history, and learned firsthand how critical it is for new parents or members facing illness or family emergencies to have the flexibility to manage both their personal lives and professional responsibilities. \The House implemented proxy voting during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency response, allowing members of Congress to designate another member to vote on their behalf. From 2021 to 2022, participation reached a record high of 97.8 percent, with nearly 10 percent of votes cast in 2021 being by proxy. However, during the 118th Congress, participation declined significantly, with nearly 20 percent of final passage votes missed as of July 2024. Ahead of the 119th Congress, members on both sides of the aisle have voiced their support for bringing back proxy voting, specifically for new parents. Only thirteen women have given birth while serving in Congress, and next month, Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) is expected to be the fourteenth. Representative Pettersen testified before the House Rules Committee to revive proxy voting for new parents, and Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who gave birth to her son last January, has championed this issue with Speaker Mike Johnson heading into the new Congress. Representatives Pettersen and Luna, joined by Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), recently introduced a House resolution that would amend the House rules to allow for proxy voting for new parents. \This isn't just about parents; it's about modernizing Congress to reflect the realities of today's workforce and ensuring the institution is accessible to all who wish to serve. With a record number of women and young parents now serving, Congress must adapt to better support them. Representation matters, and policies that allow members to prioritize their families while still fulfilling their duties open the door for more Americans to consider public service. \However, they also recognize the criticisms of proxy voting, some of which are justified. During its initial implementation, there were instances where members abused the system, using it as a way to attend fundraisers, campaign events, or leave Washington early. This undermines the integrity of the practice and damages public trust. Any reinstatement of proxy voting must include clear rules and guardrails to ensure it is used only for legitimate reasons, such as parental leave, illness, or emergencies. Striking this balance is essential to prevent proxy voting from becoming a partisan tool. \As former members from opposite sides of the aisle, they know firsthand the challenges of serving in Congress while raising families. They also know the value of working across party lines to find solutions that benefit both members and the people they serve. Proxy voting, when done right, is a tool that can strengthen our democracy by allowing representatives to fulfill their duties during life's unavoidable challenges. \They hope that their colleagues in the 119th Congress will take action to modernize the institution, ensuring it is more reflective of and welcoming to the next generation of lawmakers—moms, dads, and caregivers alike. By reinstating and refining proxy voting, Congress can take a significant step toward becoming a more inclusive and effective body. Together, they can make the House of Representatives a place where people from all walks of life can serve, lead, and represent the voices of America
PROXY VOTING CONGRESS REPRESENTATION FAMILY MODERNIZATION DEMOCRACY
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