House GOP Votes Canceled Following Unexpected Rebellion Over Proxy Voting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republican leaders announced Tuesday the cancellation of all votes for the week following a rebellion by nine GOP lawmakers that halted legislative actions. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) informed members that the next vote in the chamber would be slated for Monday evening.

The decision came shortly after a vote where nine Republicans joined the Democratic caucus to block a bipartisan effort to allow proxy voting for new parents, a move that also obstructed planned votes on key Republican measures, including limiting the powers of federal judges and requiring proof of citizenship to vote.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) applied a rarely used discharge petition to initiate a vote on Rep. Brittany Pettersen’s (D-Colo.) resolution, which would permit members who give birth or whose spouses give birth to authorize another member to vote on their behalf for up to 12 weeks following the event. However, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) opposed the proxy voting, citing constitutional concerns, while the Republican-controlled House Rules Committee added amendments to circumvent Luna’s efforts.

Despite these attempts, the vote ended with nine Republican defections, rendering the House unable to address significant legislative issues for the remainder of the week. “It’s a very disappointing result on the floor; a handful of Republicans joined with all Democrats to take down a rule,” Johnson commented post-vote. “That’s rarely done.”

Because the rule was not approved, House leaders cannot proceed with votes on measures like the “No Rogue Rulings Act,” aimed at limiting federal judicial authority regarding nationwide injunctions, and the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act,” mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. “That rule being brought down means that we can’t have any further action on the floor this week,” he reiterated.

The cancellations raise uncertainties about the direction of legislative priorities moving forward. Luna proposed her petition under the discharge process earlier Tuesday, hoping to prompt a vote on proxy legislation potentially scheduled for Friday. Now, it appears the earliest this could be taken up is Monday, a day known as a “fly-in” day when attendance typically dips.

Luna expressed confidence that leadership cannot block her petition again, as she successfully garnered enough support to bypass traditional voting procedures. Meanwhile, Johnson faced media questions regarding the significant GOP dissent against him. He attributed the rebellion to a lack of understanding of the possible implications of proxy voting.

“I know your heart’s in the right place,” Johnson reportedly told Luna during the proceedings, to which she responded with hope for a productive resolution. On the contrary, House GOP leaders’ assessment of the vote signifies a deepening rift during a tumultuous period for the party.

A normal procedural vote evolved into a significant event as both sides sought to push their agendas amid rising tensions within party ranks. The day’s outcomes not only defer important legislations but also indicate ongoing challenges for GOP leadership as it confronts dissent amid its thin majority.

Luna highlighted the broader implications of their efforts, stating, “I think that today is a pretty historical day for the entire conference, showing that parents deserve a voice in Washington.” Likewise, Democratic representatives cheered her initiative, fostering an unusual alliance that disrupted traditional party lines.

This rebellion might signal adjustments needed for House Republicans in addressing both parental rights within Congress and navigating legislative measures that resonate with their constituents while keeping party unity intact.

As of now, no votes are expected until Monday, creating a pause in Republican efforts to advance President Trump’s agenda.