A Breakthrough in House Stalemate
House Republicans are gearing up to push forward two significant bills championed by President Donald Trump this week, thanks to a resolution brokered by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. The agreement ends a weeks-long deadlock with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., over how Congress handles voting for new parents. The breakthrough clears the way for action on pressing legislative priorities after days of procedural gridlock.
The drama unfolded as Johnson and Luna hashed out a compromise on Sunday, reviving a historical practice known as “live/dead pairing.” Dating back to the 1800s, this method allows absent lawmakers—such as new parents or those facing emergencies—to have their votes offset by pairing them with an opposing vote, neither counting in the final tally but still recorded for transparency.
“Speaker Johnson and I have reached an agreement to bring back a procedure called live/dead pairing, which dates back to the 1800s. It will be open for the entire conference to use when unable to vote (e.g., new parents, bereaved, emergencies, etc.),” Luna shared on X Sunday evening, crediting Trump’s influence in modernizing Congress.
“Thanks to [Trump] and his guidance, as well as all of those who worked to get this change done, this is becoming the most modern, pro-family Congress we’ve ever seen.”
Johnson’s office confirmed to Fox News Digital that the deal was finalized during a Sunday afternoon call with Republican lawmakers.
Beyond the voting fix, they’ve also committed to improving Capitol accessibility for young mothers, signaling a broader effort to adapt the institution to contemporary needs.
Key Legislation Back on Track
With the standoff resolved, the House is now set to tackle two Trump-backed bills. First up is the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration—a move aimed at tightening election integrity.
The second, the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA) from Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., seeks to curb district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions against Trump’s policies, a response to judicial overreach concerns. Both were slated for votes last week, but the procedural clash threw a wrench in those plans.
The disruption peaked last Tuesday when a handful of GOP lawmakers, including Luna, rebelled against leadership’s attempt to sideline her proxy voting bill for new parents.
Luna’s proposal would have granted 12 weeks of remote voting around childbirth, but Johnson, a firm opponent of proxy voting on constitutional grounds, moved to block it. He tacked language onto an unrelated measure to nix discharge petitions—a tool Luna was preparing to use to force her bill to the floor with majority support.
The maneuver backfired, tanking a routine vote and delaying the SAVE and NORRA Acts, leaving GOP leaders red-faced.
Balancing Priorities Amid Broader Goals
The resolution comes at a pivotal moment as the House navigates the Senate’s reconciliation framework, a process that will shape a sprawling bill advancing Trump’s agenda on defense, energy, border security, and tax policy.
Republican leaders remain committed to pressing ahead with this legislation, even as fiscal conservatives voice unease over differing House and Senate approaches to spending and policy details. The SAVE and NORRA Acts, now back on the docket, represent early wins in this broader push.
For Luna, the compromise is a personal and political victory after weeks of tension. For Johnson, it’s a chance to refocus on Trump’s priorities without the distraction of internal squabbles.
The revived pairing system and Capitol upgrades reflect a pragmatic blend of tradition and progress, while the upcoming votes will test the party’s ability to unify around Trump’s vision. As the House regains its footing, all eyes are on how these moves play out—both in the chamber and beyond.
