menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Speaker Johnson scrambles for solutions to parental proxy voting impasse

10 0
03.04.2025

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is scrambling to break the impasse over the push to allow proxy voting for new parents, as the standoff between GOP leadership and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) hardens.

A band of nine Republicans, led by Luna, joined with Democrats Tuesday to torpedo a vote on a procedural rule that included language to thwart the proxy voting effort, halting unrelated key legislative business on the House floor and prompting leadership to send lawmakers home for the week.

To re-open the floor, Johnson has to advance a procedural rule, which governs debate for legislation. First, however, he must solve the proxy voting dilemma.

Johnson said Wednesday that some Republicans are refusing to vote for rules going forward “until we stop the proxy initiative.” Traditionally, only the majority party votes in favor of rules, meaning just a few Republicans can continue to grind work to a halt.

Raising the stakes, the House is eyeing a vote next week on adopting a compromise budget resolution to advance parts of President Trump's legislative agenda if the Senate moves ahead this week — which the lower chamber will be unable to do without action on the parental proxy voting front.

The path forward is shaping up to be an uphill battle as Luna digs in on her parental proxy voting push, top lawmakers remain categorically opposed to the effort, and the clock ticks on the deadline for leadership to move on the resolution.

As of Wednesday evening, Johnson did not have a solution to the stalemate.

“We’re gonna find a path through this, we’re working on that,” he told reporters. “I’ve talked to everybody who voted........

© The Hill