(RNN) - An Illinois Democrat who just gave birth is trying to change a long-standing rule.
Senator Tammy Duckworth submitted a resolution this week that would allow senators to bring a child under one year old to the senate floor during votes.
In a statement on Monday, Duckworth's chief of staff said that "working parents everywhere deserve family-friendly workplace policies."
Duckworth gave birth to a baby girl on April 9 - becoming the first U.S. senator to do so while in office.
Bryan, Abigail and I couldn’t be happier to welcome little Maile Pearl as the newest addition to our family and we’re deeply honored that our good friend Senator Akaka was able to bless her name for us—his help in naming both of our daughters means he will always be with us. https://t.co/KXyNf65KxA
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
Her resolution must first pass the Senate Rules Committee, which could happen as soon as this week.
It would then move on to a full Senate vote.
“She is optimistic that this will be resolved quickly,” her chief of staff said.
Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, raised the hypothetical in a February podcast on Politico’s website.
“If I have to vote, and I’m breastfeeding my child, especially during my maternity leave period, what do I do? Leave her sitting outside?” she said.
The rules committee’s chairman, Republican Roy Blunt, and ranking Democrat, Amy Klobuchar, have said they support Duckworth’s proposal.
The senate in her home state, Illinois, voted last week to establish rooms for breastfeeding at state courts.
On the podcast, Duckworth made the point that under current U.S. Senate rules, she “can’t technically take maternity leave.”
“If I take maternity leave, then I won’t be allowed to sponsor legislation or vote during that time period,” she said.
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