Republicans and Democrats Unite to Support Federal Workers
Republican leaders have teamed up with liberals on a new bipartisan bill aimed at aiding thousands of federal employees dismissed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency led by billionaire Elon Musk.
The Protect Our Probationary Employees Act, introduced by Democratic Representative Sarah Elfreth from Maryland, is now co-sponsored by first-term Republican lawmakers Michael Baumgartner from Washington and Jeff Hurd from Colorado. If enacted, the bill would enable recently terminated probationary employees to retain their seniority upon rehire by the federal government. Elfreth described the job terminations as an “unprecedented attack” on federal workers.
> “These are patriots who serve our country, but instead of being thanked for their service, they were tossed to the curb,” stated Elfreth.
Bipartisan Support Against DOGE
The legislation has gained support from several Democratic representatives, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, Jamie Raskin from Maryland, Brad Schneider from Illinois, and Darren Soto from Florida. Liberal Senators Mark Warner of Virginia and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland are also working on a companion bill. However, the act would only apply to workers re-employed in the same positions, with advocates hoping the courts will intervene for those affected.
Elon Musk has distanced himself from the dismissals, meeting privately with GOP lawmakers and stating he is not responsible for the firings. Sources report Musk told Republicans to hold individual federal agencies accountable for the staff changes, as decisions fall under each department’s authority.
> “Elon doesn’t fire people,” remarked Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, attempting to deflect blame from Musk for the federal job losses.
President Trump reiterated Musk’s limited role, stressing that his influence is advisory. Nevertheless, Trump instructed government secretaries to be cautious with terminations, expressing concern over losing valuable personnel.
Efforts to Reinstate Federal Employees
The proposed bill to support federal employees comes shortly after another effort to counter DOGE’s mass firings. In a Washington press conference, Rep. LaMonica McIver unveiled the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act, aimed at reinstating federal workers terminated under DOGE’s directive and granting them back pay. This act currently boasts 66 co-sponsors and support from six key labor unions.
McIver criticized the mass firings as politically motivated rather than performance-driven, asserting that they jeopardize essential government functions, including veterans’ healthcare. Rashida Tlaib echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the essential services federal workers provide, such as timely Social Security payments and housing assistance.
> “Musk and Trump’s ongoing attack on federal workers is out of control. It’s causing real harm and chaos for everyday people,” Tlaib remarked.
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