As the 119th Congress commences, leaders from both parties are confronting the smallest margins in nearly 100 years. With this reality, every vote matters, and attendance on the House floor will be critical. As two members who served together during the 115th, 116th, and 117th congresses—one Democrat, one Republican—we both understand the immense responsibility of representing our constituents. Together, we've cast thousands of votes on the House floor. Whether it was the birth of our children, illness, or family emergencies, we each experienced the challenge of balancing our duties as lawmakers and as parents.
During the 117th Congress, proxy voting gave members the ability to ensure their votes were cast and their constituents were represented, even when they couldn't be on the House floor. Between us, we have five children, and during our time in Congress, we broke barriers, made history, and navigated the challenges of motherhood while serving in public office. We know firsthand how critical it is for new parents or members facing illness or family emergencies to have the flexibility to balance their personal lives and professional responsibilities.
The House instituted proxy voting during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency response, which allowed members of Congress to designate another member to vote on their behalf. From 2021-2022, participation reached a record-high 97.8 percent. Nearly 10 percent of votes cast in 2021 were by proxy. However, during the 118th Congress, participation declined, with nearly 20 percent of final passage votes missed as of July 2024.
Ahead of the 119th Congress, members on both sides of the aisle have voiced their support for bringing back proxy voting, specifically for new parents. Only thirteen women have given birth while serving in Congress, and next month Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) is expected to be the fourteenth. Representative Pettersen testified before the House Rules Committee to revive proxy voting for new parents, and Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who gave birth to her son last January, has championed this issue with Speaker Mike Johnson heading into the new Congress. Representatives Pettersen and Luna, joined by Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) just introduced a House resolution that would amend the House rules to allow for proxy voting for new parents.
This isn't just about parents. It's about modernizing Congress to reflect the realities of today's workforce and ensuring the institution is accessible to all who wish to serve. With a record number of women and young parents now serving, Congress must adapt to better support them. Representation matters, and policies that allow members to prioritize their families—while still fulfilling their duties—open the door for more Americans to consider public service.
However, we also recognize the criticisms of proxy voting, some of which are justified. During its initial implementation, there were instances where members abused the system, using it as a way to attend fundraisers, campaign events, or leave Washington early. This undermines the integrity of the practice and damages public trust. Any reinstatement of proxy voting must include clear rules and guardrails to ensure it is used only for legitimate reasons, such as parental leave, illness, or emergencies. Striking this balance is essential to prevent proxy voting from becoming a partisan tool.
As former members from opposite sides of the aisle, we know firsthand the challenges of serving in Congress while raising families. We also know the value of working across party lines to find solutions that benefit both members and the people they serve. Proxy voting, when done right, is a tool that can strengthen our democracy by allowing representatives to fulfill their duties during life's unavoidable challenges.
We hope that our colleagues in the 119th Congress will take action to modernize the institution, ensuring it is more reflective of and welcoming to the next generation of lawmakers—moms, dads, and caregivers alike. By reinstating and refining proxy voting, Congress can take a significant step toward becoming a more inclusive and effective body. Together, we can make the House of Representatives a place where people from all walks of life can serve, lead, and represent the voices of America.
Jaime Herrera Beutler served as the congresswoman for Washington's 3rd Congressional District from 2011-2023. In 2013, she became the ninth lawmaker in history to give birth while serving in Congress. She lives in Washington with her husband Dan and their three children, all whom were born during her tenure in the House.
Stephanie Murphy served as the congresswoman for Florida's 7th Congressional District from 2017-2023. She is the first Vietnamese American woman to be elected to Congress. She lives in Florida with her husband Sean and their two children.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.
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