U.S. Rep. Pettersen scores bipartisan win on proxy voting

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen holds her one-month-old baby Sam as she departs during a series of votes at the Capitol on March 1 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen on Tuesday celebrated a rare bipartisan victory in Congress.

The big picture: The Lakewood Democrat joined U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) in backing a resolution to allow members of Congress who are new parents to vote by proxy — despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) attempt to block it.

Why it matters: The proposed resolution marks a tentative victory for Pettersen and other parents or aspiring parents serving in Congress.

Between the lines: It’s a major loss for Johnson, whose attempts to snuff out the resolution angered some Republicans as it tied proxy voting to a bill prohibiting non-citizens from voting in federal elections.

  • Nine House Republicans on Tuesday rejected Johnson’s attempt to block the resolution.

State of play: Pettersen lobbied for the rule change before giving birth to her second child on Jan. 25, introducing the bipartisan resolution alongside Luna and U.S. Reps. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) weeks prior.

  • The proposal would allow remote voting for new mothers and fathers for three months after their child is born.

Context: Luna launched what’s called a discharge petition, which can force a vote on a measure without the support of leadership if enough House members sign on, writes Axios’ Andrew Solender.

What they’re saying: “Don’t f— with moms,” Pettersen reportedly said on Tuesday alongside Luna, who’s also a mother, in addressing Johnson, per The Hill.

The other side: Johnson afterward called the decision “a disappointing result,” on Tuesday, saying most House Republicans believe proxy voting is “unconstitutional.”

What’s next: A vote on the resolution was expected this week, though Johnson signaled voting was canceled for the rest of the week.

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