John,

I’m bumping our recent email (below) because I cannot stress how critical proxy voting for moms is. Check out this Motherly article released yesterday, where I talk more about why this matters for building an inclusive government and why it’s time to modernize Congress by allowing new moms and dads to vote by proxy.

This week, Congress came to a halt when two moms came together from across the aisle to push for the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution, which would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for 12 weeks after welcoming a child.

Here’s the backstory of how we got here:

• Vote Mama alum Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) introduced the resolution at the start of session → GOP leadership denied it.
• Rep. Pettersen and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) used a discharge petition—a rare and powerful tool that lets lawmakers force a vote, even when leadership says no. 
• They got the 218 signatures they needed: including support from a dozen Republicans.
• Speaker Mike Johnson tried to stop it with a procedural trick: he tied a rule blocking the resolution to a bunch of unrelated GOP priorities, basically daring Republicans to choose between moms and MAGA.
• But nine Republicans stood with moms — so the vote to block the discharge petition failed.
• This completely shut down the House: Johnson canceled all votes for the week.

So here's what we need from YOU: Your representative might still be on the fence. Call them. Tell them: Don’t cave. Vote YES on proxy voting for new parents!

URGENT: Contact your members of Congress NOW and urge them to VOTE YES on the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution! >>

CALL YOUR REP →

We need all hands on deck. Thanks for your support!

- Liuba Grechen Shirley
Vote Mama Founder & CEO

P.S. Want to support more trailblazing moms like Rep. Brittany Pettersen who are fighting for inclusive and family-friendly policies? Make a donation to Vote Mama now! >>

******** BEGIN FORWARDED MESSAGE ********
From: [ACTION ALERTS] @ VoteMama.org
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 4:50 P.M. Eastern Time
Subject: Call your representative today and tell them to pass the proxy voting resolution →
To: John xxxxxx <[email protected]>

John,

In February, Vote Mama alum Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) flew across the country to D.C. with her baby to cast an important vote on the House floor: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t given the opportunity to vote remotely after giving birth. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me from being here to represent my constituents.”

Structural barriers like in-person voting make it nearly impossible for parents, especially moms, to fully participate in public service. If we want a government that actually reflects the people it serves, we need leaders who understand the realities of family life — and a system that makes it possible for them to lead.

Now, Rep. Pettersen is working across the aisle to push for a bipartisan bill: the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution, which would allow moms and dads to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks following the birth of a child. Because nobody should have to choose between doing their jobs and having a family.

We need common-sense reform if we’re going to make the government more inclusive and truly family-friendly — so today, we’re calling on YOU to help get this bill passed and ensure that new moms and dads in Congress can do their jobs without sacrificing their families.

Contact your members of Congress NOW and urge them to VOTE YES on the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution! >>

CALL YOUR REP →

Thanks for your urgent action!
- Your Friends at Vote Mama

P.S. Want to support more trailblazing moms like Rep. Brittany Pettersen who are fighting for inclusive and family-friendly policies? Make a donation to Vote Mama now! >>

Vote Mama is the first PAC in the country dedicated to increasing the political power of Democratic moms. We believe that our country needs more moms representing our neighborhoods, our communities, and our families because we know that they are dedicated to investing in equitable solutions for future generations to come. Vote Mama helps moms break barriers to running for office by disrupting the systems that hold women back through providing direct financial support, mentorship, and endorsements.

Pitch in today to help us elect more moms to be the voice of our communities and keep our families safe >>