A showdown among House Republicans over proxy voting for new parents turned into a major setback for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday. The battle has serious implications for his ability to lead a slim majority.
Nine Republicans sided with Democrats to block a procedural rule that would have stopped Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) from forcing a vote on proxy voting.
It was a bold move by Johnson and GOP leaders—but it backfired.
To push their agenda, leadership attached a provision to block Luna’s proxy voting push, along with measures targeting federal judges and requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Both of these ideas are popular with Republicans and President Trump, putting pressure on GOP members to choose between backing the president’s priorities or Luna’s push for new parents.
Nine Republicans, including Luna, chose to stand against leadership, sinking the rule and shutting down legislative work. As a result, GOP leaders canceled votes for the rest of the week.
What happens next is unclear, but Luna emerged victorious. She’s been pushing for remote voting for new parents, and the failed vote is a win for her. Outside the Capitol, she celebrated, saying: “Never bet against the Luna.”
