Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, a recent addition to the Republican party, has taken a distinct position by advocating for alterations to House rules that would allow postpartum proxy voting. Initially aligned with her party’s opposition to proxy voting—adopted by House Democrats during the pandemic—Luna’s viewpoint underwent a shift after giving birth in August. Now, she is actively proposing a six-week period for new mothers in Congress, allowing them to designate a colleague to cast votes on their behalf.

Despite anticipating resistance within the Republican party against proxy voting, Luna is set to introduce a bill addressing the issue. The proposal faces significant challenges in securing a floor vote, given the embedded opposition to proxy voting among Republicans. Luna’s initiative spotlights the outdated practices within the predominantly male institution, where certain practices have yet to align with contemporary expectations.

Luna’s personal experiences, marked by childbirth complications and subsequent medical travel restrictions, have fueled her determination to instigate change. She underscores the predicament faced by female lawmakers, emphasizing the challenging choice between career and family responsibilities. Luna’s proposed bill, while focused, aims to grant new mothers in Congress a six-week exemption from in-person voting, challenging the existing House rules.

Reflecting on her childbirth expectations during a recent interview, Luna remarked, “You plan for one thing and it totally changes.” As her 4-month-old son, Henry, napped nearby, she voiced concerns about being compelled to choose between career and family obligations, particularly in an era where technological advancements should render such dilemmas unacceptable.

Luna’s proposed bill, while focused, aims to grant new mothers in Congress a six-week exemption from in-person voting, challenging the existing House rules.

Acknowledging the limited number of women of childbearing age in Congress, Luna is contemplating broader legislative efforts, including the potential introduction of a constitutional amendment. Despite the immediate narrow impact, with only one pregnant member currently in Congress, Luna envisions broader applicability in the future.

Luna’s proposed bill has garnered bipartisan support, an unexpected development with Representatives Matt Gaetz (Republican of Florida) and Rashida Tlaib (Democrat of Michigan), the chair of the Congressional Mamas’ Caucus, among its advocates. However, the bill faces resistance within the Republican majority, where opposition to proxy voting remains deeply ingrained. Luna’s commitment to bringing about change reflects a bipartisan call to reconsider traditional practices surrounding voting on the House floor. As she navigates challenges from Republican leadership, her dedication to addressing issues related to family and motherhood in Congress suggests a shifting perspective within the party.