Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) released the following statement after Speaker Mike Johnson blocked the bipartisan Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution, despite overwhelming support from a majority of the House. The resolution—introduced with Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY)—would allow new parents to vote remotely while caring for their newborns.

After Johnson refused to implement this commonsense measure, the bipartisan coalition took the rare step of filing a discharge petition, a procedural tool allowing a majority of the body to force a vote. The Pettersen resolution advanced after the petition secured 218 signatures—a clear majority of the House—demonstrating broad support.

But instead of following the rules and allowing a vote, Speaker Johnson tried to use procedural tactics last week to kill the measure – ultimately shutting down business in the House after not getting his way. Johnson then pushed a “vote pairing measure,” as a false solution, and has now pressured his conference to table the discharge petition for the rest of this congress. 

“We need leaders fighting for parents and families – but today, Speaker Johnson turned his back on them. Across the country, working families are making tough decisions about where to find safe, affordable child care, how to balance long work hours and family responsibilities, and how to afford the rising costs of housing, groceries, and everyday necessities. How can Congress expect to address the issues facing families if they exclude those who understand those challenges firsthand?

“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from women and moms across the nation. I know that you’re as disappointed as I am that we’re not changing the rules in Congress to make it more likely that people like us have a seat at the table. But our fight is far from over. I promise that I won’t stop working on behalf of our families, moms, and most importantly our kids.”

The resolution allows new parents—both mothers and fathers—to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks, ensuring that no lawmaker is forced to choose between caring for their family and representing their constituents. It also permits proxy voting for pregnant Members who face medical complications that prevent travel.

Pettersen, who made history as only the 13th voting Member of Congress to give birth while in office, has been a leading voice in modernizing outdated policies that make it harder for working parents and regular people to serve. 

The full text of the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution can be found HERE.