Tammy Duckworth Gives Birth To Daughter Abigail

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is now a mother.

The congresswoman, who was recently elected to a second term in the House, gave birth Tuesday to a daughter, Abigail O'kalani Bowlsbey.

Duckworth's office offered a statement:

My husband Bryan and I are thrilled to announce that we are the proud parents of a baby girl. Abigail O’kalani Bowlsbey was born on November 18. Bryan and I were deeply honored that Senator Akaka acted as Hawaiian elder and selected her middle name. We are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. We also appreciate the respect for our privacy during this important moment in our lives.

Duckworth, who lost both her legs and partial use of her right arm while serving in the Iraq War, announced her pregnancy in a September appearance on NBC's "Today" show.

Earlier this month, Duckworth was denied her request to vote by proxy during the Democratic caucus' leadership election. (Duckworth was under doctor's orders not to travel during the late stage of her pregnancy.) A number of colleagues came to her defense, but party leaders like Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) insisted that allowing her to vote by proxy was against the rules, and could create a slippery slope situation for future exceptions.