In a significant bipartisan development on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives voted 222–200 to advance legislation that would nullify a March executive order issued by President Donald Trump that eliminated collective bargaining rights for roughly one million federal employees.
The vote marks one of the most high-profile intraparty splits of the year, with 13 Republicans siding with Democrats to move the measure forward.
The bill was brought to the House floor through a discharge petition, a rare procedural tool that allows rank-and-file lawmakers to bypass leadership opposition if a majority of members support consideration of the bill. The effort was led by Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine known for occasionally breaking with party leadership and appealing to centrist and bipartisan coalitions.
Golden’s maneuver succeeded despite Republican control of key committees, underscoring the level of internal division surrounding the labor-related executive order.
What the legislation seeks to undo
The executive order in question removed collective bargaining rights for federal employees across dozens of agencies. Supporters of the order argued that it was necessary to streamline federal operations, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and increase managerial flexibility. Critics countered that the order stripped workers of critical protections, weakened unions, and concentrated too much authority in agency leadership.
If the newly advanced bill ultimately passes both chambers, it would restore collective bargaining rights, reinstate previous labor frameworks, and prohibit similar executive actions in the future without congressional authorization.
The 13 Republicans who broke ranks
The following GOP members voted with Democrats to advance the bill:
– Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.)
– Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.)
– Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.)
– Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
– Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.)
– Don Bacon (R-Neb.)
– Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.)
– Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.)
– Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.)
– Zach Nunn (R-Iowa)
– Chris Smith (R-N.J.)
– Pete Stauber (R-Minn.)
– Mike Turner (R-Ohio)
Their decision reflects a notable ideological split within the Republican caucus, particularly on matters involving labor policy, federal workforce management, and executive authority.
Why the vote matters
The vote has several key implications:
- It challenges presidential authority
Reversing an executive order through legislation is uncommon and signals congressional resistance to unilateral executive action. - It highlights shifting coalitions around labor policy
Some Republicans from union-heavy or moderate districts may face pressure to protect worker bargaining structures. - It reveals internal GOP tensions
Issues involving federal workforce rules, unions, and executive power often divide the conference between traditional conservatives, populist factions, and pragmatic moderates. - It sets the stage for a Senate test
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Even if it secures bipartisan support, procedural obstacles and tight floor schedules may complicate its path forward.
Political reactions
Democrats praised the vote, arguing that restoring bargaining rights strengthens workplace stability, improves federal services, and upholds longstanding labor standards.
Republican supporters of the bill emphasized that their vote reflected district interests, respect for federal workers, or concerns about executive overreach rather than opposition to Trump personally.
Opponents of the measure criticized the defecting Republicans, asserting that the original executive order was necessary to modernize federal operations and challenge entrenched bureaucratic structures.
Historical and policy context
Federal employee labor rights have been at the center of Washington policy battles for decades. While presidents have authority to set many workplace conditions through executive action, sweeping changes usually provoke legal challenges or political pushback.
The House vote underscores a central tension:
How much authority should presidents have to restructure the federal workforce without Congress?
What comes next
– The Senate will determine whether the bill advances or stalls
– Federal employee unions are preparing for potential reinstatement of bargaining frameworks
– Agencies may need to review management policies if the legislation ultimately passes
– The White House is expected to weigh in more directly as the bill approaches final stages
Conclusion
The House vote to nullify a Trump-era executive order marks one of the most significant congressional challenges to presidential labor policy in years. With a narrow bipartisan majority and 13 Republican defections, the decision sets up a consequential debate in the Senate and raises broader questions about executive authority, federal workforce governance, and the future of collective bargaining rights.