Republicans and Democrats have joined forces to back a new bill aimed at protecting federal employees dismissed by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Republican Support for the Bill
The Protect Our Probationary Employees Act was introduced by Democratic Representative Sarah Elfreth of Maryland and co-sponsored by Republican lawmakers Michael Baumgartner of Washington and Jeff Hurd of Colorado. Elfreth characterized the mass dismissals as an 'unprecedented attack' on federal employees, stressing their importance to the country.
Democrats and Senators Back the Bill
The legislation is additionally supported by Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamie Raskin, Brad Schneider, and Darren Soto. Liberal Senators Mark Warner and Chris Van Hollen are reported to plan introducing a companion bill in the Senate. However, the act would only assist workers re-hired into their previous positions.
Other Legislative Efforts
Recently, LaMonica McIver worked on an alternative MERIT Act to reinstate workers dismissed under DOGE’s directive and compensate them. The legislation is backed by 66 Congress members and major unions, including AFGE and NFFE.
Congress continues to consider measures to reinstate the dismissed employees amid claims that the layoffs were conducted under the guise of improving agency efficiency.
