House lawmakers have gathered enough signatures to force a House vote on legislation that would overturn President Trump’s executive order terminating collective bargaining rights for most federal employees.
The measure, the Protect America’s Workforce Act, was introduced by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine and would nullify the order and reinstate any collective bargaining agreements canceled since the directive took effect in late March. Golden turned to a discharge petition — a procedural tool that requires 218 signatures to bring a bill to the floor — after House leadership would not schedule a vote.
The executive order directed roughly 20 federal agencies to end collective bargaining for many employees, citing national security concerns and alleging that unions were obstructing agency management. The White House specifically named agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency, and later included NASA and the National Weather Service.
Union leaders, including Everett Kelley of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents a large share of the roughly 1 million affected workers, condemned the order as retaliatory and politically motivated. AFGE has filed lawsuits challenging the move and has accused the administration of targeting the union for opposing its agenda, including efforts to shrink agencies and carry out mass layoffs.
Within days of its introduction, Golden’s bill drew enough Republican co-sponsors in the House to theoretically pass the chamber, but securing a floor vote required the discharge petition. This week the petition reached the required 218 signatures when New York Republicans Nick LaLota and Michael Lawler signed on. Lawler said in a statement that supporting workers and ensuring effective government are compatible goals.
A date for the House vote has not been announced. If the House approves the bill, it would move to the Senate, where passage is far less certain given greater GOP support for the president and the narrower margin for overcoming a presidential veto or mustering the necessary majority.