House passes bill to repeal Trump’s federal union order; 20 GOP join Democrats
The House passed a bill repealing President Trump’s March 2025 executive order that barred collective bargaining in parts of federal agencies — including the Departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Energy, Homeland Security, Treasury, HHS, Interior and Agriculture — by a 231–195 vote with 20 Republicans joining Democrats. The measure was advanced via a discharge petition led by Rep. Jared Golden (D‑Maine), after earlier procedural votes saw a smaller group of GOP lawmakers break with party leadership to move the repeal forward.
📌 Key Facts
- On Dec. 11, 2025, the House passed a bill to repeal President Trump’s March 2025 executive order on federal unions; final vote was 231–195, with 20 Republicans joining Democrats.
- The measure was advanced to the floor via a discharge petition led by Rep. Jared Golden (D‑Maine).
- Trump’s March 2025 executive order had blocked collective bargaining at parts of the Departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Energy, Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior and Agriculture.
- The report included new on‑the‑record quotes both supporting and opposing the repeal from House leaders and members, including Hakeem Jeffries, James Comer, Brandon Gill, Rob Bresnahan and Mike Lawler.
- The coverage and facts above were reported by Fox News on Dec. 11, 2025.
📊 Relevant Data
Federal government jobs have historically provided a pathway to the middle class for Black Americans by offering reliable jobs and guardrails to offset systemic racial bias in hiring and promotions.
Black workers with union representation enjoy a 13.2 percent hourly wage premium relative to their non-union peers.
Union Advantage for Black Workers: Higher Wages, Better Benefits — Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)
The union wage premium is higher for Black and women workers in the US public sector compared to White men.
Public sector unionization and Black-White earnings inequality — ResearchGate
Public sector unions increase the costs of government through higher wages and benefits for employees.
Public sector unions and the costs of government — ResearchGate
📰 Sources (2)
- Final House passage: 231–195, with 20 Republicans voting with Democrats.
- Bill advanced via a discharge petition led by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine).
- Scope detail: Trump’s March 2025 EO blocked collective bargaining at parts of DoD, State, VA, Justice, Energy, DHS, Treasury, HHS, Interior and Agriculture.
- New on‑record quotes for and against from Hakeem Jeffries, James Comer, Brandon Gill, Rob Bresnahan and Mike Lawler.