Congressman Mike Lawler of New York’s 17th District has become the pivotal 218th signatory on Discharge Petition 6, a move that advances H.R. 2550, known as the Protect America’s Workforce Act. The bipartisan legislation, led by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Jared Golden, aims to restore collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of federal employees.
The proposed bill seeks to reverse an executive order that previously removed collective bargaining protections from workers in several federal agencies. This order impacted departments such as Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Energy, as well as certain roles in other key departments. Approximately 67% of the federal workforce was affected by this measure, including many veterans and career public servants who do not serve in national security positions.
With Representative Nick Lalota signing as the 217th supporter and Lawler following as the crucial 218th, the petition now meets the requirement to force a vote on the House floor.
“Every American deserves the right to have a voice in the workplace, including those who serve their country every single day. Supporting workers and ensuring good government are not opposing ideas. They go hand in hand. Restoring collective bargaining rights strengthens our federal workforce and helps deliver more effective, accountable service to the American people,” said Congressman Lawler.
Dr. Everett B. Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), commented: “AFGE thanks Congressman Lawler for his courage in compelling a House vote on HR 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act, to restore collective bargaining rights across the federal government. Through the efforts of Congressman Lawler and his 217 like-minded bipartisan colleagues, the full House will get to vote on this critical measure that restores workplace rights first enacted nearly five decades ago. Collective bargaining gives employees a fundamental voice in making the government work better for the American people, and we thank Congressman Lawler for recognizing that America functions best when labor and management cooperate toward common goals. We urge House passage of the bill and swift approval by the Senate and the President.”
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—including all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties—and is recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members.
