Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., welcomed a daughter Monday, becoming the first serving senator to give birth.
“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,” Duckworth, 50, said in a statement. Akaka died on Friday.
“We’re also so grateful for the love and support of our friends and family, as well as our wonderful medical teams for everything they’ve done to help us in our decades-long journey to complete our family,” she added.
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
Pearl Bowlsbey Johnson was Bryan’s great Aunt, an Army Officer & a nurse who served during the Second World War. He spent many summer months with her while growing up, we feel her presence still and are grateful for her service to our nation during the most challenging of times.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
We’re also so grateful for the love and support of our friends and family, as well as our wonderful medical teams for everything they’ve done to help us in our decades-long journey to complete our family.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
Maile Pearl is Duckworth and husband Bryan Bowlsbey’s second child. First daughter Abigail was born in 2014, when Duckworth was serving in the House of Representatives.
Duckworth joins nine other lawmakers, all House members, who have given birth while in office.
She has vowed to change Senate rules to allow her to bring her baby to the floor of the upper chamber.
