This resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House for members who have given birth, whose spouses have given birth, or who have pregnancy complications. Members can designate a proxy for up to 12 weeks for floor, Committee of the Whole, and committee votes.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House for members who have given birth, whose spouses have given birth, or who have pregnancy complications. Members can designate a proxy for up to 12 weeks for floor, Committee of the Whole, and committee votes.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution</strong></p><p>This resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House of Representatives for a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth and pregnant Members who are unable to travel safely or have a serious medical condition.</p><p>Under the resolution, a qualifying Member may designate a proxy to cast a vote in a committee, the Committee of the Whole, or on the House floor; however, proxies will not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. The proxy designation is valid for up to 12 weeks.</p><p>To designate a proxy for House and Committee of the Whole votes, the Member must submit a signed and dated letter to the Clerk stating the Member’s qualifying circumstances and the name and state of the Member who has agreed to be designated as proxy. A Member who has designated a proxy according to these requirements may also designate a proxy for committee votes. To designate a proxy for committee votes, the Member must provide the committee chair and ranking minority member with a signed and dated letter specifying another member of the committee to cast a proxy vote. </p><p>The resolution further provides that a Member may revoke the proxy authorization by (1) casting the Member’s own vote; (2) recording the Member’s own presence in the House or in the Committee of the Whole; or (3) in a committee, by submitting a signed letter to the chair and ranking minority member.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Authorizes proxy voting for new parents in House
Covers members who give birth or whose spouse gave birth
Includes pregnant members with medical conditions
Proxy designation valid for up to 12 weeks
Does not count proxy for quorum purposes
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
New parent Representatives could continue voting without being physically present during the first three months. This addresses the challenge of balancing new parenthood with congressional duties.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Congress
Related Subjects
Commuting
Congressional officers and employees
Family relationships
House of Representatives
Legislative rules and procedure
Members of Congress
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
23, 119th Congress (2025). "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hres-23
