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“Rep. Tim. Burchett’s bill on defunding the Taliban was just threatened if he voted in favor of my discharge petition to allow new parents in Congress to vote after birth. Why would anyone in leadership think it’s a good idea to keep a bill that stops taxpayer-funded terrorism off the floor? I have also been asked multiple times what I want in exchange for killing this. Let me be clear: MY VOTE IS NOT FOR SALE. This institutional change is bigger than just me and will help the country in the long run.”
The following day, Luna issued a stern warning that she was prepared to leave the Freedom Caucus after reports surfaced that House GOP leaders planned to include language in an upcoming rule to effectively block her discharge petition.
“I’ve approached this entire process with honesty and integrity, doing things the right way. Unfortunately, some members of the House Freedom Caucus have threatened to shut down the floor if the Speaker allows my proxy vote discharge petition to be considered. As a result, it’s likely I will no longer be a member of the Freedom Caucus. I will not compromise on something as important as ensuring new moms can vote while recovering. I believe this change will improve the institution in the long term.”
In a pointed letter, Luna expressed deep disappointment over the actions of her former colleagues, revealing what she described as hypocrisy and power plays within the Freedom Caucus.
“For several years, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with you, from the speaker’s fight — where I was one of only 20 — to numerous efforts aimed at bringing the institutional change Washington so desperately needs.
My goal has always been to work alongside like-minded individuals committed to fighting for the American people and delivering on the promises President Trump campaigned on. I have consistently supported each of you, even in moments of disagreement, honoring the mutual respect that has guided our caucus.
That respect, however, was shattered last week. Acting within the House conference rules — rules we all agreed to — I sought to bring a vote to the floor on a measure that would allow new mothers in Congress (fewer than 14 in our nation’s history) and fathers, if they choose, to vote by proxy. This was a modest, family-centered proposal.”
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Luna did not hold back in her criticism, condemning a faction within the Freedom Caucus for deliberately sabotaging her bill. She accused them of threatening Speaker Johnson with procedural gridlock unless her petition was blocked.
“When compromise proved impossible, our own Freedom Caucus members on the House Rules Committee and a small faction of our group advocated to change our rules of governance by tying my petition to a rule that would kill it and attaching it to the SAVE Act.
The intent was clear: to misrepresent me and the members supporting this pro-life, pro-family initiative — one of the most significant in congressional history — as obstructing the President and opposing election integrity.”
Luna further called out the hypocrisy within her former caucus, noting that while some members condemned proxy voting, one of the key opponents had voted by proxy over 30 times.
Despite her resignation, Luna vowed to remain steadfast in her commitment to transparency and institutional reform. She criticized what she described as the corruption within the Republican ranks, warning against allowing political maneuvering to override genuine policy discussions.
“I cannot remain part of a caucus where a select few operate outside its guidelines, misuse its name, broker backroom deals that undermine its core values and where the lines of compromise and transaction are blurred, disparage me to the press, and encourage misrepresentation of me to the American people.”
Luna made it clear that her fight was not just about this bill but about maintaining integrity in Congress.
“What does threaten our institution, however, is succumbing to the very corruption we pledged to uproot. Sadly, that is what some among us have become.”
As Luna parts ways with the Freedom Caucus, her departure raises serious questions about the internal dynamics of the Republican Party and its commitment to the principles it claims to uphold. Whether this move will inspire further fractures or a realignment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Luna is not backing down.
