House lawmakers have gathered the signatures needed to force a floor vote on legislation that would overturn President Trump’s executive order that stripped most federal employees of collective bargaining rights.
The Protect America’s Workforce Act, introduced by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), would nullify the executive order and restore any collective bargaining agreements canceled since the order took effect in March. After drawing bipartisan co-sponsors, the bill ran into resistance from House leadership, prompting Golden to pursue a discharge petition — a procedural step that brings a bill to the floor if 218 members sign.
This week the petition reached the 218-signature threshold when Republican Reps. Nick LaLota and Michael Lawler of New York added their names. Lawler said his support reflects a belief that backing workers and keeping government functioning effectively are compatible goals. With the required signatures, a House vote is now guaranteed, though leaders have not yet scheduled a date.
The executive order directed about 20 federal agencies to end collective bargaining for most employees, citing national security concerns and accusing unions of obstructing agency management. Agencies identified by the administration included the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the list was later expanded to include 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 strongly opposed the order. AFGE President Everett Kelley called the action retaliatory and said it was intended to silence employees who challenged the administration. The union has filed lawsuits seeking to block the mass termination of contracts and other measures tied to the order.
If the House approves the bill, it would move to the Senate, where its prospects are less certain. Overcoming presidential opposition would likely require defections by some Republican senators to secure passage. Andrea Hsu, NPR News, Washington.