Nancy Mace Rejects Proxy Voting for New Parents in Congress, Upholds Constitutional Duty

Nancy Mace Rejects Proxy Voting for New Parents in Congress, Upholds Constitutional Duty

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, firmly expressed her disdain for proxy voting exceptions for new mothers in Congress. Mace’s stance emerges amid intense discussions surrounding this contentious issue, which recently stalled the House of Representatives’ activities.

Proposed legislation by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, in collaboration with Representative Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Colorado, seeks to allow new parents to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks while caring for their infants. However, this proposal has caused a noticeable divide among Republican lawmakers.

Political Backlash and Support

The debate intensifies as prominent figures express contrasting opinions. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the idea of proxy voting for new parents in Congress, while Speaker of the House Mike Johnson strongly opposes it, deeming proxy voting as unconstitutional.

Support for the bill is evident, with 218 lawmakers signaling their backing, creating enough momentum to push for an official vote. However, the recent attempt to advance the issue faced backlash, as a coalition of Democrats and some Republican representatives obstructed its progress, leading Speaker Johnson to call for a recess in the House until the following week.

Mace’s Staunch Position

In light of the controversy, Mace emphasized her clear-cut stance on the matter, declaring her position as an absolute no regarding any form of proxy voting. She conveyed her sentiments passionately, asserting, “I’m an absolute no on any and all proxy voting. It’s wrong.”

Mace underscored the importance of active participation in Congress, stating, “We have a job. We have a constitutional duty to show up here and work, and we should.” She firmly believes that exceptions should not be made for any individuals, including new mothers and fathers in Congress. When asked if she would consider any exceptions, she replied, “Nope, none, zero.”

Empowering Women in Leadership

Reflecting on her identity as a woman and a mother, Mace shared her desire to achieve success based solely on merit. “As a woman and as a mom, I want to make it on my own merit,” she affirmed, adding that she does not seek special treatment. “I don’t want to be given an exception for anything. I want to be able to make it here like any man would.”

Moreover, Mace expressed her support for the Defense Department’s ongoing reforms led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. She believes that establishing uniform standards contributes positively to the nation’s defense operations. “Doing it based on merit and making the standards be the same, I think that’s good for our country,” Mace stated. She specifically noted that these changes would benefit those willing to risk their lives for the country.

Standards, Merit and Military Recruitment

Mace praised Hegseth’s transparency efforts within the Department of Defense and commended his proactive approach to addressing issues, especially regarding treatment of service members and military readiness. “I love what Pete Hegseth is doing,” she reiterated. “I think he’s doing a remarkable job, and he’s bringing so much transparency to DOD and the Pentagon. And where they failed, then he is trying to pick up the pieces and put it back together, including how men and women are treated in uniform and how we are combat-ready.”

In light of these developments, Mace expressed optimism regarding military recruitment, foreseeing a significant increase across all branches under Trump’s leadership and Hegseth’s oversight. “I think we’ve got great things to come. Our enemies should be scared,” she predicted confidently.

The Continued Debate

The discourse surrounding proxy voting remains fresh in congressional debates, with varying perspectives from lawmakers across the aisle. While Mace advocates for strict attendance and participation standards, others see the need for flexibility, especially for new parents navigating the demands of both parenting and public service.

As this controversy unfolds, it raises essential questions about the evolving nature of work-life balance within the high-stakes environment of Congress. Will the push for proxy voting continue to gain traction, or will lawmakers like Mace successfully uphold traditional voting practices?

The debate encapsulates a broader national conversation about parental rights, workplace flexibility, and the responsibilities inherent in public service. As lawmakers continue to grapple with these issues, the implications of their decisions will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of Congress and its members.