House-Passed NDAA Would Restore Union Rights for DoD Civilians — But It’s Not Law Yet
What happened: On Sept 11, the House passed its FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The House bill includes language to restore collective bargaining rights for Department of Defense civilian employees by blocking enforcement of the March 27 executive order that stripped bargaining at numerous agencies.
What that provision does: The House language (Section 11110, “Limitation on use of funds to limit collective bargaining”) prevents DoD from using FY26 funds to implement the March 27 order against its civilian workforce. Practically, that means DoD civilian employees would retain negotiated rights on working conditions and personnel policies—if the final NDAA keeps this section.
Why this came up: The March 27 executive order—“Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs”—invoked national-security exemptions to remove entire cabinet departments and components (including DoD) from the federal labor-management statute. OPM’s guidance lists the affected agencies and explains the implications. AFGE identifies this order as EO 14251.
What hasn’t happened yet:
- The Senate must pass its own NDAA. The Senate Armed Services Committee sent a version to the floor (26–1) on July 9, and senators are working through amendments.
- Conference: House and Senate negotiators must reconcile differences. The collective-bargaining language could be kept, changed, or dropped.
- Presidential action: The final bill must be signed by the President to become law.
Bottom line: The House took a major step toward restoring union rights for DoD civilian employees, but it is not law until the Senate agrees and the President signs the final NDAA. For now, keep tracking the Senate’s version and conference outcomes.
