Tammy Duckworth’s baby dilemma – there’s an app for that
Today, United States Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) made history bringing her newborn daughter onto the Senate floor so she could cast a vote. She was only able to do so because the male dominated senate approved a rules change to allow children under the age of one onto the Senate floor. It’s worth noting that the House already allows children in the chamber during legislative business. Duckworth’s “bring your kid to work” moment has opened a larger debate about children in the workplace and whether Duckworth was given “special treatment.” What’s getting lost in all of this is the fact that Duckworth was forced to make a choice that was wholly unnecessary.
Having to compromise her maternity leave to do the job she was elected for is hardly special treatment. Senator Duckworth is the first senator to give birth while serving in the Senate, and in the months leading up to the birth of her daughter, she discussed the obstacles she would face. Senate rules require that senators be “on the floor” to cast their votes. Duckworth is remaining in Washington during her maternity leave so that she can be available to vote, coming in for a vote means she must worry about dress codes for herself and, hopefully, jokingly, her baby. It is not special treatment when ten days after giving birth, she was forced to get dressed and go to work and take her newborn child with her. Most women on maternity leave have more options available to them. If something vital at work requires their input, they can deal with it by email, by phone or text, or in extreme circumstances, they can put on a clean blouse and do a video conference while still in their pajama bottoms.
I admit to not being a big proponent of children in the workplace. I’m not referring to companies that have onsite daycare centers, which traditionally decrease absenteeism and tardiness. Rather I’m speaking specifically about bringing the child into the work space and in this case, the floor of the United States Senate. Babies can be (at best) a distraction or (at worst) a disruption. However, I also recognize and support the unique position someone like Senator Duckworth will be in; she will be a nursing mother who may not be able to easily take breaks to pump. Being able to have her child with her on the floor is not special treatment, it’s a reasonable accommodation.
Putting the debate about children in the workplace aside for a moment, let’s address the larger issue of requiring all Senators to be on the floor. Long before the age of technology, the rule made sense. How could you be certain the vote was valid if it was sent by Pony Express? How could someone who wasn’t physically on the floor to listen to the debates and discussion cast an informed vote? I’m sure there were other concerns too, such as wanting to make sure that a Senator viewed the position as a full-time job, which would require their time and attendance.
However, technology now exists to allow senators to be present for all of it without having to be on the senate floor so why not allow a senator on approved leave the opportunity to participate by video conferencing? I’m not suggesting we allow senators to “phone it in” on a regular basis, but when someone is mentally capable of participating, why should they be punished for not being physically able?
The Senate and the House need to be proactive and realize that situations like Senator Duckworth’s are not a one-off. They can also show empathy for their colleagues who may be temporarily sidelined by illness or injury. Ensuring that more members of congress can participate in the legislative process can only benefit overall. By embracing technology and the changes it can afford they can honor spirit of the traditions while recognizing the ever-changing landscape of this country. Senator Duckworth should not have been forced to choose between her duty to her child and her duty to her country. There’s an app for that.
