In what might be the most bizarre turn of events yet, it seems that Congress has now become a Hollywood stage for political grandstanding. Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen gives the impression of auditioning for a reality TV show rather than taking part in serious national legislation. This political stage performance comes courtesy of her insistence on carrying her baby around during congressional hearings, something the American voter never signed up for when they sent her to Washington.

The spectacle first began as a supposed protest to allow congresspeople the ability to work remotely during maternity leave. One might argue that Congress should be about governance rather than creating theatrical distractions. Yet, Pettersen continues to tote her child around the chambers, turning a place where serious monetary policy is discussed into a scene more fit for a playdate. It’s as if the availability of child care—she is on the waitlist like most Americans—is just an urban legend.

Now, the sunniest optimist might suggest making society more accommodating to young families is a noble goal. Yes, by all means, bring your kids to the ice cream shop, to the park, even to dinner out. But how did the suggestion for more child-friendly spaces somehow mutate into congressional halls becoming impromptu nurseries? Imagine a public official like Pettersen deciding that carrying a child should be the centerpiece of their political identity. It’s more than a little ironic that she chooses to do this in a place funded on taxpayer dollars, a place with resources to avoid such spectacles.

If Pettersen feels torn between her maternal duties and her congressional responsibilities, perhaps she should reconsider her priorities. America sends representatives to Congress to craft policies, not to turn hearings into viral moments on social media. Her continued presence with her child in Congress speaks more to personal ambition than to legislative efficacy. It’s as if she believes the nation couldn’t possibly function without her juggling parenthood and politics for the cameras.

Comments on social media reflecting support for these antics serve as a reminder of the trivial place contemporary discourse often occupies. Comparing Pettersen to Elon Musk’s occasional public appearances with his children completely misses the point—one is a private citizen, while the other is an elected official sworn to serve the public interest. This isn’t about the normalcy of being a parent; it’s about respecting the job you’ve been given and the duties that come with it.

In a Congress that often resembles a circus, one can’t help but appreciate the comedic irony in turning a legislative session into a daycare. But just as tradition offers wisdom, it also insists on maintaining dignity and seriousness where it’s due. Perhaps it’s time for Pettersen to hand the baton—or rather, the baby—over to the professional daycare workers on site and return to what she was elected to do: legislate with focus and seriousness.