Thirteen House Republicans Join Democrats to Advance Repeal of Trump’s Federal Union Restrictions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, thirteen House Republicans broke ranks with their party leadership on Wednesday to join Democrats in advancing a bill aimed at reversing an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that restricted federal worker unions. The House voted 222-200 to proceed with debate and a final vote on the legislation, known as the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which now faces another procedural hurdle before a full House vote expected on Thursday.
The bill, spearheaded by Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, was brought to the floor through a discharge petition — a parliamentary maneuver that forces a vote on legislation despite opposition from party leaders. Such petitions are uncommon, but have gained traction this year amid the closely divided House, where the GOP’s slim majority leaves little room for defections on party-line votes.
Trump’s March 2025 executive order had imposed sweeping limitations on collective bargaining rights for federal employees across numerous agencies. Among those affected were workers at the Department of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Energy, Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior, and Agriculture. The order curtailed union negotiations on key workplace issues, drawing criticism from labor advocates and many Democrats who argue it undermines worker protections and federal workforce morale.
All 209 Democrats who voted supported advancing the bill, joined by thirteen Republicans representing districts in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio. The Republican lawmakers who crossed party lines include Jeff Van Drew (N.J.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), Nick LaLota (N.Y.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.), Don Bacon (Neb.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Tom Kean (N.J.), Ryan Mackenzie (Pa.), Zach Nunn (Iowa), Chris Smith (N.J.), Pete Stauber (Minn.), and Mike Turner (Ohio). Five of these Republicans had also signed the discharge petition alongside Golden and 213 Democrats.
Many of these Republicans represent competitive or swing districts, where bipartisan cooperation on issues like labor rights is often viewed favorably by constituents. Their willingness to defy GOP leadership highlights the growing complexity within the party as it navigates a narrow House majority and diverse electoral pressures.
Should the bill pass the House, it would nullify the executive order and restore collective bargaining rights to federal workers, allowing unions greater leverage in negotiating workplace conditions and policies. The legislation’s progress comes amid broader debates over federal labor rights and the role of unions in public service.
Observers note that the discharge petition mechanism has become an increasingly utilized tool in the current Congress, reflecting heightened tensions and factionalism within both parties. The outcome of Thursday’s anticipated rule vote and final passage will be closely watched as a barometer of bipartisan willingness to challenge party orthodoxy on key labor issues.
For more information on federal labor policies and union regulations, see the Office of Personnel Management’s labor relations page. Details on the discharge petition process can be found at the House Clerk’s official site. Background on the executive order and its impact is available through the White House archives. For broader context on federal workforce issues, consult the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey conducted by OPM.
The bipartisan vote marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over federal labor rights, signaling potential shifts in congressional dynamics as lawmakers weigh the interests of federal employees against party priorities heading into the 2026 election cycle.
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