Nurses union urges Congress to support Protect America's Workforce Act

The largest union of registered nurses in the United States has issued a response following the announcement by Congressional authors regarding the Protect America’s Workforce Act. The legislation is set to be advanced using a procedure known as a “discharge petition.”

“We demand that all Congressional members who support veterans reject Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempts to prevent this bill from moving to a vote and support the use of the discharge petition,” stated the union.

The bill is described as essential for ensuring quality care for veterans across the nation. According to the union, the need for this legislation arose after an executive order was issued on March 27 by the current administration. This order aimed to revoke the bargaining rights of over a million union workers, citing national security threats as the reason. The union argues that this claim is unfounded.

Nurses and other federal employees believe the executive order was a retaliatory act against union advocacy efforts and the administration's resistance to addressing worker concerns regarding veteran patient safety and public welfare.

The union expressed gratitude towards the bipartisan Congressional members who have supported the Act and called for swift action to counteract what they describe as chaotic policies from the administration that have adversely affected veterans and their caregivers.

National Nurses United represents over 225,000 registered nurses across the United States and is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of its kind. Its affiliates include the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.