Anna Paulina Luna leaves House Freedom Caucus over proxy voting battle

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, made headlines recently when she announced her resignation from the House Freedom Caucus. Luna, who has been a vocal advocate for proxy voting for new parents in Congress, cited a breach of trust within the caucus as the reason for her departure.

In a letter to her conservative colleagues, Luna expressed disappointment in the actions of a small group of House conservatives who blocked a vote on her measure, known as a “discharge petition.” The petition would allow new parents in Congress to vote remotely for 12 weeks following the birth of a child. Despite the bipartisan support for the proposal, Luna faced opposition from some members of her own party.

Luna praised House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris for his conduct during the dispute but ultimately decided to resign from the group. In her letter, she criticized the caucus for operating outside its guidelines, engaging in backroom deals, and compromising its core values.

Her resignation marks the first departure from the House Freedom Caucus in the current Congress, following the exits of Reps. Warren Davidson, Randy Weber, and Troy Nehls. Luna’s decision to step down highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over issues such as proxy voting and leadership dynamics.

The debate over proxy voting has divided House Republicans, with some members arguing that it is unconstitutional and opens the door to potential abuse. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concerns about the lack of a limiting principle if proxy voting were to be extended beyond new parents to other categories of lawmakers.

Rep. Chip Roy, a former colleague of Luna’s in the House Freedom Caucus, raised objections to the proposed rule, highlighting potential loopholes and the need for accountability in the voting process. Despite the disagreements within the caucus, Luna remains committed to her advocacy for new parents in Congress and the need for family-friendly policies in the legislative branch.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Luna’s resignation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Her decision to leave the House Freedom Caucus underscores the importance of principled leadership and standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity.