House lawmakers have gathered enough signatures to force a floor vote on legislation that would overturn President Trump’s executive order revoking collective bargaining rights for most federal employees.
The Protect America’s Workforce Act, introduced by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), would nullify the executive order and reinstate any collective bargaining agreements that were terminated since the order was issued in March. The bill rapidly attracted bipartisan co-sponsors but faced resistance from House leadership, prompting Golden to file a discharge petition — a procedural move that brings legislation to the floor if 218 members sign.
The petition reached the required 218 signatures this week after Republican Reps. Nick LaLota and Michael Lawler of New York added their names. Lawler said in a statement that supporting workers and ensuring effective government are not in conflict. With the necessary signatures, a House vote is guaranteed, though a date has not yet been set.
The executive order directed roughly 20 federal agencies to end collective bargaining for most employees, citing national security concerns and alleging that unions obstructed agency management. The administration identified agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency, and later added NASA and the National Weather Service.
Unions, led by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents many of the roughly one million workers affected, have vehemently opposed the move. AFGE President Everett Kelley characterized the order as retaliatory and argued it was intended to silence workers who challenged the administration. The union has filed lawsuits seeking to block the mass cancellation of contracts and other related actions.
If the House passes the bill, it would proceed to the Senate, where support is less certain and would likely require Republican defections to overcome presidential opposition. Andrea Hsu, NPR News, Washington.
