The American Prospect: House GOP Tries to Cancel Congressional Staff Unions
But it’s not clear whether they can do it.
By DAVID DAYEN
Whenever House Republicans get around to choosing a Speaker, they will vote on a rules package for the next Congress. The rules package includes some culture-war fodder, like ending security screening for the House floor, clarifying that members don’t have to use gender-nonspecific language in speeches, and allowing appropriations to target the salaries of specific executive-branch officials. It includes the restoration of “cutgo,” where any new spending has to be offset by spending cuts only, not new taxes; in fact, tax increases will require a three-fifths vote. It repeals the Gephardt rule, which deemed the debt limit increased upon the passage of a budget resolution. It requires the Congressional Budget Office to assess all legislation for its impact on inflation (I guess assessing for improving quality of life isn’t necessary).
But the most unique provision in the House rules package would eliminate House staff labor unions, several of which have been voted into being. But there’s some question as to whether a rules vote can legally accomplish that.
It’s a predictable but amusing kickoff of this Congress for a Republican Party that has mused about being a “worker’s party.” The first chance they get, they are attempting to nullify the rights of the employees in their own workplace.