Republican centrists and populists combine to kill series of GOP labor bills

House rejects attempt to enact PRO Act, then dumps GOP anti-worker bills

WASHINGTON—By a party-line 206-205 vote on a procedural move, the Republican-run U.S. House rejected Democratic attempts to open up debate and amendments to GOP anti-worker measures. The Dems wanted to attach the Protect The Right To Organize (PRO) Act, labor’s top legislation, to them.  But then, in a complete and unexpected reversal for the House’s Republican leaders, six GOPers joined all the voting Democrats to kill several bills weakening w…

'What a mess': Mike Johnson suffers 'bad start' to 2026 as even minor House votes collapse

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is trying to kick off the new year with a series of bills focused on the economy — but he suffered a stunning defeat on Tuesday, as three out of the four bills on the schedule failed to pass.The four bills under consideration were the Flexibility for Workers Education Act and Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act, two bills that carve out exceptions to when workers can claim overtime pay; the Ti…

Speaker Johnson suffers blow after GOP revolt over workforce bill

House Republican leadership suffered a surprising defeat when six GOP lawmakers sank a Republican-led bill targeting overtime rules in the workforce. The Flexibility for Workers Education Act failed 209-215 after Reps. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Riley Moore (R-WV), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) joined all Democrats to vote against the legislation. Republicans were already heading into the v…

Republican centrists and populists combine to kill series of GOP labor bills

Republican centrists and populists in the House on Tuesday blocked a series of GOP labor bills on the chamber floor, marking the latest blow to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his leadership team, who are increasingly losing their grip on the restive Republican conference.  The House was poised to vote Tuesday evening on three Republican…

The Tiny House Majority Giving Mike Johnson Big Headaches

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson continues to navigate a razor thin margin, and tracking the number of GOP lawmakers missing votes or possibly teaming up with Democrats is a constant headache. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)House Speaker Mike Johnson wakes up every day worried about the numbers. The number of his members who could get sick, fail to travel back in time for votes or decide to team up with Democrats to derail his agenda.First the release of…