1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I’m writing to urge you to vote YES on the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550) when it comes to the House floor following the successful discharge petition. This bill is essential to restoring the collective bargaining and union rights that were stripped from federal workers under the Trump regime's executive order earlier this year. The executive order in question attempted to eliminate or severely restrict union representation for a huge portion of the federal workforce—including employees at agencies like Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, and Justice—under the false claim that these roles are “national security” positions incompatible with collective bargaining. Courts have already questioned the legality of this action, and federal judges have temporarily blocked parts of the order for exceeding executive authority. Congress now must fully correct this overreach. The Protect America’s Workforce Act reaffirms a foundational principle: federal employees deserve the right to union representation, fair bargaining, and due process protections. These rights aren’t partisan luxuries—they are essential to maintaining a professional, stable civil service capable of serving the public without political interference. It is notable and encouraging that the discharge petition to force this bill to the floor succeeded only because a bipartisan group of lawmakers recognized the urgency of the situation. Representatives Nick LaLota and Mike Lawler joined their Democratic colleagues in breaking the blockade. Their support reflects a growing understanding that defending workers’ rights is not a partisan issue—it’s a constitutional and democratic one. Discharge petitions rarely succeed. Securing 218 signatures—despite intense pressure from leadership—is a sign that Members of Congress on both sides understand what’s at stake. This bill now reaches the House floor because a bipartisan majority decided that silencing unions, undermining agency expertise, and disrupting the federal workforce is harmful not just to workers, but to national stability itself. Restoring union rights is also a matter of national competence. Agencies function best when workers are able to raise safety concerns, negotiate fair policies, and advocate for the resources required to serve the public effectively. Removing collective bargaining rights doesn’t improve performance; it invites chaos, turnover, and political retaliation. At a moment when federal employees are already under extraordinary strain—from public health challenges to border operations to a surge in national security responsibilities—attacking their workplace rights only weakens the government’s ability to function. I strongly urge you to support H.R. 2550, oppose any procedural attempts to delay or block it, and vote to restore the rights, dignity, and stability that the federal workforce deserves. This is your chance to defend the integrity of the civil service, protect workers from political retribution, and reaffirm Congress’s authority over federal labor law.