Republican House Overturns Trump’s Executive Order on Bargaining Rights
The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a significant step to restore collective bargaining rights to nearly one million federal workers. In a rare bipartisan vote held on Thursday, the House approved a measure to overturn President Donald Trump’s executive order related to these rights.
Details of the House Vote
The proposal received support from both sides of the aisle, securing a vote count of 231 to 195. This marks the first time this term that the House has successfully voted to nullify a Trump executive order.
Key Players in the Legislation
- Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
Golden expressed pride in the bipartisan coalition that passed the bill, stating it is a demonstration of solidarity. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick emphasized the restoration of fundamental rights for public servants, urging the Senate to act on the bill.
Next Steps for the Bill
The measure is now headed to the Senate for consideration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has yet to confirm if a vote will be scheduled.
Background on Trump’s Executive Order
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order that terminated collective bargaining rights for certain federal agencies linked to national security. This was executed under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which allows limitations on such rights for agencies primarily involved in intelligence and national security work.
Agencies Affected
The March executive order impacted several departments, including:
- State
- Defense
- Veterans Affairs
- Energy
- Health and Human Services
- Treasury
- Justice
- Commerce
- Homeland Security (specific units)
Reactions from Labor Leaders
Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, praised the bipartisan effort to reverse what she termed the largest act of union-busting in American history. She expressed hope that the Senate will support the measure, highlighting the importance of political alignment with workers’ needs.
Trump’s Defense of the Order
The Trump administration has defended the executive order, asserting that some federal unions were obstructing the president’s agenda. The response indicated a commitment to prioritizing national interests over union agendas.
Further Actions by Trump
In August, Trump took additional measures to strip federal workers of collective bargaining rights, targeting agencies such as:
- National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service
- National Weather Service
- Bureau of Reclamation
- NASA
- U.S. Agency for Global Media
As the bill moves to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain, with calls for bipartisan support echoing from labor leaders and proponents of workers’ rights.
