The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to advance a bill that would repeal President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting federal union workers. The vote sets up a major showdown over federal labor rights and the limits of presidential authority.
Background: Trump’s Executive Order on Federal Unions
In March, President Trump issued an executive order that stripped federal workers of key collective bargaining and union rights.
Federal unions and several left-leaning organizations immediately sued, arguing the order violated worker protections. A federal judge blocked the order, but the Trump Administration appealed and continues to fight the case in court.
“Protect America’s Workforce Act” Moves Forward
Democratic Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) introduced the repeal bill, known as the Protect America’s Workforce Act.
On Wednesday, the House voted to advance debate on the measure, marking a significant bipartisan break.
13 Republicans Break with Trump
Thirteen House Republicans sided with Democrats to push the legislation forward. According to Fox News, the Republicans who voted to advance the repeal include:
- Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ)
- Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
- Nick LaLota (R-NY)
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Rob Bresnahan (R-PA)
- Don Bacon (R-NE)
- Mike Lawler (R-NY)
- Tom Kean (R-NJ)
- Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA)
- Zach Nunn (R-IA)
- Chris Smith (R-NJ)
- Pete Stauber (R-MN)
- Mike Turner (R-OH)
Their support allowed the bill to move past the first major hurdle.
How the Vote Unfolded
Rep. Golden forced the vote using a discharge petition, a rarely used procedure that brings a bill to the floor even if House leadership opposes it—so long as it gains majority support.
The House advanced the measure in a 222–200 vote. All 209 Democrats who voted were joined by the 13 Republicans to allow debate and move the bill closer to passage.
What Happens Next
The bill now faces another procedural vote on Thursday, known as a House rule vote. If it passes that step, the chamber will proceed to a final vote on fully repealing Trump’s executive order.
More developments are expected as lawmakers head into another day of voting.
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