Recent developments in Congress have paved the way for a significant vote regarding federal employee rights. A bipartisan effort has emerged to restore collective bargaining rights that were curtailed during the Trump administration. On November 17, 2025, the House reached a crucial milestone, with 218 lawmakers signing a discharge petition to bring the Protect America’s Workforce Act to the floor.
Bill Overview
The Protect America’s Workforce Act aims to reverse the executive order issued by Donald Trump in March 2025. This order limited the ability of unions to negotiate on behalf of federal employees across many agencies. The law, if passed, would impact approximately 67% of the federal workforce.
Key Provisions
- Restores collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
- Affects major departments including Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Energy.
- Addresses the broader implications of national security exemptions used in the previous executive order.
Legislative Support
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) played a vital role by becoming the 218th signatory of the discharge petition. He emphasized the importance of collective bargaining, stating, “Every American deserves the right to have a voice in the workplace.” His sentiments were echoed by Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees, who urged for swift action on the bill.
Legal Challenges
The executive order has faced multiple legal challenges since its inception. A federal judge initially blocked its enforcement, but an appeals court later allowed agencies to continue rolling back collective bargaining agreements.
Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Employee Rights
In addition to the efforts led by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine), a separate bipartisan bill is underway in the Senate. This initiative, spearheaded by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), focuses specifically on restoring bargaining rights for Veterans Affairs employees.
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
- Jared Golden (D-Maine)
- Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
- Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
- Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
- Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.)
The ongoing litigation and legislative actions highlight the contentious landscape surrounding federal employee rights. As the House prepares for a vote, advocates are hopeful that restoring collective bargaining could strengthen the federal workforce and enhance government accountability.
