In a significant development for the federal workforce, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have launched a new bicameral effort — the Federal Workforce Caucus — aimed at protecting federal employees and restoring key workplace rights that have come under pressure in recent years. The coalition brings together senators, representatives, and labor leaders who say the goal is simple: rebuild stability, dignity, and fairness for the public servants who keep the government running.
Formed in early February 2026, the caucus is led by U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland alongside Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Representatives Steny Hoyer, and James Walkinshaw and Suhas Subramanyam (VA). More than two dozen lawmakers have joined the effort, signaling growing momentum in Congress to more forcefully advocate for federal employees and the civil service system.
A Response to a Year of Upheaval
The creation of the caucus comes after sweeping changes to the federal workforce, including policy shifts affecting civil service protections, hiring practices, and collective bargaining. Lawmakers say those changes have damaged morale, disrupted agencies, and made federal careers less secure.
“We know that there’s a lot of damage that has been done,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “But there is an opportunity moving forward to rebuild from that damage an even better federal government and an even stronger federal workforce.”
The coalition is designed to provide a coordinated platform in Congress to push back against attacks on civil service protections and advocate for legislation that restores workers’ rights. In the near term, members plan to focus on collective bargaining protections, merit-based hiring, and preventing political interference in federal agencies.
Sen. Van Hollen underscored the stakes when announcing the effort, noting that federal employees deliver essential services across the country and should be able to do their jobs without fear of political retaliation. He said the caucus is intended to “stand united” in support of federal workers and protect the integrity of a merit-based civil service.
A Partnership with Labor
Federal unions and worker advocates were closely involved in the coalition’s launch and are expected to play an active role in shaping its priorities. Leaders from national labor organizations say the caucus represents an important turning point after years of uncertainty for federal employees.
Doreen Greenwald, national president of the National Treasury Employees Union, welcomed the formation of the group, pointing to what she described as “mass firings without cause” and attacks on union rights over the past year. She said the caucus would help strengthen the civil service and ensure employees are treated with dignity and respect.
Other union partners echoed that sentiment, arguing that a stable federal workforce is essential not only for employees themselves but also for the public who depend on government services. Labor leaders emphasized that restoring collective bargaining rights and job protections will be central to their work with the coalition.
Restoring Rights and Rebuilding Stability
Supporters of the caucus see it as a key vehicle for advancing legislation that protects federal workers’ rights, improves retention and recruitment, and reestablishes workplace stability. Members say they intend to pursue oversight, legislative fixes, and policy reforms that strengthen the workforce and protect employees from political pressure.
Lawmakers involved in the effort have framed the coalition as both a defensive and forward-looking initiative. In addition to pushing to restore protections, they plan to focus on modernizing the federal workplace, ensuring fair pay and working conditions, and rebuilding morale across agencies.
For federal workers and their unions, the creation of the Federal Workforce Caucus marks a shift toward a more coordinated push in Congress to defend public service jobs. With lawmakers, labor leaders, and advocates working together, supporters believe the coalition could become a central force in restoring workers’ rights and reinforcing the value of a strong, professional civil service.
