In a pivotal vote, Speaker Mike Johnson's attempt to block a proxy voting proposal for new parents was thwarted as nine Republican members joined Democrats, defeating the motion 206-222. Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Brittany Pettersen, both mothers, spearheaded the initiative to allow legislators up to 12 weeks of remote voting to care for newborns. The defeat reflects a growing bipartisan demand for modern family policies in Congress, amidst tensions within the GOP. Johnson is now regrouping as further legislative action is halted, the outcome spotlighting the importance of parental representation in Congress.