Politics

Tammy Duckworth Becomes First US Senator To Give Birth While In Office

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Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth became the first senator to have a baby while in office Monday.

Duckworth, 50, announced in a tweet that she had her second daughter, mentioning she was named after her husband’s great-aunt, who was an army officer and nurse during World War II. While 10 other women have given birth while serving in Congress, Duckworth is the first senator.

“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 tweeted.

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

Duckworth served as an Army lieutenant colonel before getting elected to Congress in 2013.

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