Bresnahan Breaks Party Line to Defend Union Rights

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) voted in favor of H.R. 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which will nullify a March executive order and restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees. H.R. 2550 passed the House by a vote of 231-195, after Rep. Bresnahan helped secure floor consideration through a successful discharge petition, which he signed on September 2, 2025. 

“The right to collectively bargain is the cornerstone of fair labor and a strong middle class,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This is not just a policy idea; it’s a lifeline that ensures fair wage, safe workplaces, and the basic dignity every worker deserves. I am proud that we fought to restore and protect the rights of the hardworking men and women of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Rep. Bresnahan spoke in favor of the legislation on the House Floor earlier this afternoon. 

The Protect America’s Workforce Act would reverse an executive order that stripped collective bargaining protections from union workers across several federal agencies, including the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Prisons, the Social Security Administration, and more. The order affected roughly 67% of the federal workforce, many of whom are veterans or career public servants in non–national security roles.

A discharge petition is a seldom-used House procedure that allows a majority of members (218) regardless of party to force a bill out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote. Find out more about the discharge petition process here.

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