FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Matt Dorsey
(202) 550-6987
November 18, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) is proud to announce that the U.S. House of Representatives Discharge Petition for H.R. 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), reached the required 218 signatures yesterday evening, officially forcing the House to bring the bill forward for consideration.
Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) was the 218th signature, following Representative Nick LaLota (R-NY) as the 217th. Their support, alongside that of other principled Republicans, reflects a significant bipartisan commitment to protecting the rights and voices of America’s civil service.
Nearly every Democratic member of the House signed the petition, demonstrating overwhelming support. NFFE-IAM is especially grateful to the Republicans who stood in solidarity with federal employees, including early champions Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Don Bacon (R-NE), as well as Representatives Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), and Mike Lawler (R-NY).
“This is truly a bipartisan effort, underscored by the work it took to secure the 217th and 218th signatures needed to restore the voice of federal workers in their own workplaces,” stated NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “As the first federal employee union in the United States, we are deeply grateful to both our Democratic and Republican supporters. We look forward to passing the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the House to ensure federal employees are treated fairly in the workplace and are protected against retaliation when reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and unethical or illegal activity in government. Thank you to every member of Congress who helped ensure this legislation will receive full and fair consideration in the House of Representatives.”